Latest news with #TahltanNation
CBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CBC
What is the Red Chris mine, and why is B.C. fast-tracking its expansion
Social Sharing The open-pit copper and gold mine in B.C.'s far north, where three miners are trapped underground, is slated to transition to a new form of mining soon, in an expansion project the provincial government says it intends to fast-track. The Red Chris mine was opened in 2015, around 130 kilometres from the B.C.-Alaska border, and is where three contracted employees are stuck following two "fall-of-ground incidents" in a tunnel leading to an underground work area. It comes as the decade-old mine is experiencing a widespread change to how it operates, as the site looks to implement a new method of "block-cave mining" to extend the open-pit mine's lifespan, with the co-operation of the Tahltan Nation. Here's what you need to know about the Red Chris mine, its transition to a new form of mining and why it is being fast-tracked. WATCH | 3 miners stuck at site in B.C.'s far north: Three miners trapped in northern B.C. mine, company confirms 16 hours ago BC Premier David Eby has confirmed that three miners are trapped underground at the Red Chris Mine in northern B.C. and are reportedly uninjured. The company says there were two fall of ground incidents in the access way to the underground work area. It says the three miners were able to safely get to a designated refuge station which has food, water and ventilation but it says since the second fall of ground, communication has been restricted. Eby says the company is working with rescue crews. Where is the Red Chris mine? The Red Chris property spans more than 230 square kilometres and is 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake, B.C. It began operations in 2015, though it first received regulatory approval a decade prior, according to a presentation from Newmont, the U.S.-based majority owner of the mine. The Red Chris mine was controversial at its outset, with First Nations in B.C. and Alaska warning at the time of its potentially negative impact on the environment. Protesters from the Tahltan Nation, on whose lands the mine sits, even blockaded the mine site in 2014. Now, however, the nation is fully involved with its operations. How much does it produce? According to the B.C. government's environmental certificate, the mine is approved to produce 11 million tonnes of copper and gold ore per year until 2038. The Tahltan Central Government said it employs around 220 members of the nation, and generates approximately $100 million annually in business with the nation's development corporation. Why is it changing mining methods? The three workers currently trapped at Red Chris are contractors who are boring a hole to start up "block-cave operations" at the mine within the next three years, according to a union representative. According to the B.C. government, block-cave mining involves ore being mined by collapsing the rocks from above into tunnels below. Newmont says in a video on its website that, in contrast, open-pit mining involves blasting large volumes of rock to expose mineral-bearing rock. "Because Newmont's expertise in block-caving allows mining at deeper levels, we can access more of the ore body and increase the longevity of Red Chris mine," the company says. It estimates the new mining method would extend the mine's lifespan by 13 years, beyond its forecasted end of life in 2027. Why is the B.C. government fast-tracking development? In response to U.S. tariffs, the B.C. government said the mine's expansion would be among 18 resource extraction projects that it expedites through the provincial approval process. Changes to the Red Chris mine can only be made with the consent of the Tahltan Nation, and the change to the mining method would require an update to the mine's environmental assessment certificate. In an open letter to the Tahltan Nation from Newmont on Feb. 8, the company said the government's prioritization of the project would not change the company's approach. "Newmont fully respects that for consent to be given, the process must allow for meaningful deliberation and consideration by Tahltan to enable an informed and thoughtful decision," the letter reads. Rescue efforts underway Newmont says the three miners — two of whom are from B.C., and one who is from Ontario — are in designated refuge bays, which are equipped with food, water and ventilation in case of an extended stay. A "stand-down of operations" at Red Chris is now in place to focus on the response, according to the company, which says its priority is to ensure the employees' safety.
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Rescue under way for three workers trapped by Canada mine collapse
Rescue officials in Canada are working to free three miners who are trapped underground in northern British Columbia after a mine collapse. The trio were working at the Red Chris mine on Tahltan Nation territory, 260 miles (420km) west of the town of Fort Nelson. "There was an accident," British Columbia Premier David Eby said on Wednesday. "There are three miners that are currently trapped underground. They are, to the best of our knowledge, uninjured and in a refuge area."An area of ground in the mine collapsed the previous day near an area in which the group were working, mine operator Newmont Corp said in a statement. The miners - two of whom are from British Columbia and one from Ontario - were able to move to a sealed area underground, before a second collapse further blocked their movement, Newmont area where they relocated included a refuge station that had adequate food, water and ventilation to "support an extended stay", the operator said. "At the time of the initial incident, three business partner employees were working more than 500 meters beyond the affected zone and were asked to relocate to a designated refuge station before a subsequent fall of ground blocked the access way," Newmont the second collapse, there has been restricted communication, so a "standdown of operations" at the mine is in place, the company mine in which the three are trapped is an open-pit copper and gold mine, which was constructed in 2014.
CBC
6 days ago
- General
- CBC
Rescue operation underway for 3 miners trapped underground
A rescue operation is underway to retrieve three miners trapped underground in northwest B.C. The miners work at the Red Chris mine on Tahltan Nation territory near Dease Lake, B.C., about 420 kilometres west of Fort Nelson. The CBC's Meera Bains has more on the efforts to bring the workers at the open-pit copper and gold mine to safety.
Hamilton Spectator
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. and First Nations launch massive land-use planning project in northwest B.C.
Five First Nations in northwest B.C. have partnered with the Province to identify areas across 16 million hectares for both biodiversity conservation and natural resource development to boost Canada's economy. 'Partnerships like this will deliver the critical minerals the world needs while better protecting the air, land and waters that First Nations have stewarded since time immemorial,' said Jagrup Brar, minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, in a June 3 news release. In the release, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship announced that over the next year, it will collaborate with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow, and Nisga'a Nations on fast-tracked, inclusive land-use planning. This process will also involve engaging with industry and other community partners to develop a world-leading land-use plan to provide greater certainty for investors and First Nations in the region, the ministry added. The planning process will assess an area covering 16 million hectares in B.C.'s north near the Alaska and Yukon borders. Partners will identify zones for conserving biodiversity, such as wild salmon, caribou, sheep, and other sensitive species. They will also outline areas for resource development, especially mineral exploration, along with clear sustainability safeguards to support more efficient permitting. Additionally, no new mining claims can be registered in about one-third of the planned area for one year. This pause will help with joint planning efforts. However, existing mining projects and claims can still get permits and continue exploring during this time. 'Ensuring our culturally sensitive land is off limits to development, that our air, fish, land, water and wildlife will be protected, and establishing co-management protocols for responsible resource development within Tahltan territory is not only in the best interest of the Tahltan Nation, but also in the best interest of all British Columbians,' said Beverly Slater, president of the Tahltan Central Government in northwest B.C. Land-use planning will map out an efficient way of accessing and developing valuable resources in northwest B.C. to support B.C.'s economic engine. It aims to create opportunities throughout the province for billions in investment and family-supporting jobs, according to the partners. 'Last week, Premier David Eby outlined government's vision for building prosperity centred on the pillars of economic growth, reconciliation and conservation in northwestern B.C.,' said the news release. This process involves prioritizing partnerships with First Nations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). 'These are foundations to establishing areas for Indigenous-led conservation for precious land and watersheds in some of the most pristine and rugged wilderness in Canada and for clearly identifying areas where critical minerals may be developed,' said the release. The engagement process will begin in the coming weeks. 'Safeguarding the heartlands of our territory in B.C. and building a thriving conservation economy will benefit future generations of Kaska and all people of the region,' said Chief Stephen Charlie of the Liard First Nation. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Newmont Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Red Chris Mine with $8 Million Contribution to Three Tahltan Communities
VANCOUVER, Canada, May 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) ("Newmont") has announced an CAD $8 million community investment to benefit the Tahltan Nation as part of its celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Red Chris Mine. The investment, which will benefit the communities of Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake and Iskut, was announced during a special event on Saturday, May 24th in Dease Lake, British Columbia held in commemoration of the successful co-management of the mine with the Tahltan Nation. The investment will fund a range of projects aimed at improving community well-being, including the development of community-use spaces, recreation facilities, and greenhouse space. A portion of the investment will also support planning and pre-development efforts to improve housing in each community. The Red Chris Mine is an open-pit copper and gold mine that has become a key economic pillar in Tahltan territory, employing approximately 220 Tahltans and generating approximately $100 million annually in business with the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC). In addition, the mine pays annual royalties to the Tahltan Heritage Trust and contributes mineral tax revenue to the Province of British Columbia which is shared directly with the Tahltan Nation. The Red Chris Mine is managed in close partnership with Tahltan Nation through an Impact Benefit and Co-Management Agreement ensuring that Tahltan expertise, perspectives, and values guide the operation, and serving as a leading example of reconciliatory resource development. Rich in the critical minerals that the world uses for electrification, emerging technologies, and to manufacture the products we use every day, Tahltan Territory and the Red Chris Mine have long been a key contributor to the British Columbia economy. Newmont looks forward to building on the legacy of the past ten years as we grow the relationship with Tahltan Nation and aspire for success together in the future. QUOTES: "Newmont acquired the Red Chris Mine in November 2023, and we know that our projects and operations can only succeed when the communities that host them are also thriving. Today, we celebrate our partnership with Tahltan Nation and shared stewardship at Red Chris. Through this community contribution we extend our gratitude for the collaboration Tahltan Nation has helped to foster here as we also show our commitment to a shared vision and shared prosperity for the future." – Tom Palmer, CEO, Newmont "I feel heard. My conversation with Tom Palmer, CEO of Newmont, is becoming reality. This announcement comes from advocating for community contributions, which demonstrates a meaningful and longstanding commitment to our communities. This $8 million contribution gets us started on a series of projects that will enrich all our communities. It is another step toward ensuring every Tahltan child, youth, adult, and Elder directly benefits from resource development in our territory. Also, steps were taken to consult with our members to determine our community needs. Because of Newmont's continued efforts, we can celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Red Chris Mine. We would also like to celebrate the 40th year anniversary of Tahltan Nation Development Corporation. I am so thankful and proud of all Tahltan and non-Tahltan employees who have built this company through hard work and dedication to make our business a success."– President Beverly Slater, Tahltan Central Government "As we mark Red Chris' 10-year anniversary, I am reminded of the importance of partnership and collaboration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Red Chris stepped up to support our communities in meaningful ways, including providing testing and other essential services. Their commitment to our well-being and community development is a testament to their dedication to being a responsible and respectful partner. I look forward to continuing our close collaboration, especially since Iskut is Red Chris's nearest neighbor." – Chief Marie Quock, Iskut Band "On Red Chris' 10th year in Tahltan Territory, we honor our partnership, growth, and shared responsibility. Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated successes, and built mutual respect. Let us stay committed and aim for sustainable prosperity for our people and land ahead." – Chief Richard (Rocky) Jackson, Tahltan Band "It's great to see this investment flowing back to the communities that help make projects like Red Chris possible. The Tahltan Nation has long led the way in showing how responsible development can protect the land, honour culture, and benefit local people. Through co-management with Newmont, Tahltan values are woven into the way this mine operates every day." – Hon. Jagrup Brar, British Columbia Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals "This anniversary is more than a milestone—it is a reflection of how far the Tahltan Nation has come in rising up, stepping forward, and taking control of its future. TNDC's partnership with Newmont is not just about collaboration—it is about building capacity, leading the way, and creating long-term opportunities for Tahltans, for generations to come." – Todd den Engelsen, CEO, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) "The incredible success story of co-management and business partnership at the Red Chris Mine is a testament to Tahltan Nation's leadership and values around balancing economic development with environmental protection and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the Tahltan people. It is a model unparalleled in the world, built on the determination and forethought of various Tahltan leaders over time who have each made important contributions and then passed the torch onwards." – Abdul Rahman Amoadu, Managing Director - Africa & Canada, Newmont About Newmont Newmont is the world's leading gold company and a producer of copper, zinc, lead, and silver. The Company's world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. Newmont is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Founded in 1921, the Company has been publicly traded since 1925. At Newmont, our purpose is to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining. To learn more about Newmont's sustainability strategy and initiatives, go to View source version on Contacts Media Contact – CanadaKeivan HirjiPhone: 1(778) 834-0688Email: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
