By Kevin Gibson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
A proposed open-pit copper mine approximately 170 kilometres southwest of Valemount has moved forward in British Columbia’s environmental assessment process.
Vancouver-based Trekor Metals Limited announced July 7th that it had submitted a Detailed Project Description for the Yellowhead Copper Project to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office.
Located near Vavenby in the Thompson-Nicola region, the proposed mine would process approximately 90,000 tonnes of ore per day over an anticipated 25-year operating life.
Over its operating life, the Yellowhead mine is expected to produce an annual average of 178 million pounds of copper in concentrate. Its projected annual production also includes approximately 11,000 ounces of gold and 776,000 ounces of silver.
The company estimates the project could generate approximately $7 billion in payments to local, provincial and federal governments during construction and operation.
The submission incorporates technical work and community feedback gathered during the early-engagement phase, which began in 2019. In April 2020 Trekor and Simpcw signed a framework agreement. That process is intended to ensure Simpcw’s rights, laws, culture, knowledge and priorities are considered before the Nation decides whether to provide its consent. It will help inform the readiness decision and process-planning stages of the provincial environmental assessment.
The project is also being reviewed through the Simpcw process, an Indigenous-led assessment and decision-making model, which began in 2024. Both Simpcw consent and a provincial environmental assessment certificate will be required before the mine can proceed.
“This marks the first time Simpcw has applied our consent process to a major project and it is an important milestone for our Nation,” said Simpcw Kukwpi7 Chief George Lampreau.
“Community members will be involved every step of the way, shaping the process and fostering a genuine sense of ownership in both the process and the outcome.”
Trekor, formerly known as Taseko Mines, acquired the Yellowhead property in 2019 for approximately $16 million. The company operates the Gibraltar Mine in B.C.’s Cariboo region and Florence Copper in Arizona. It opened a Yellowhead Project community office at the Barriere Business Centre in June 2024.
An independent economic-impact study prepared by MNP estimates the project could generate approximately $46.75 billion in economic activity across Canada during construction and operation. Of that amount, approximately $32.46 billion is projected to occur within the Thompson-Nicola region.
The projections are dependent upon the mine receiving environmental approval, obtaining the necessary permits and financing, and ultimately proceeding to construction.
During the anticipated two to three-year construction phase, the project is expected to support 8,815 jobs across Canada, including approximately 4,065 in the Thompson-Nicola region.
Once operational, the mine is projected to directly employ approximately 525 people in the Thompson-Nicola region, and support 3,305 direct, indirect and induced jobs across B.C. and Canada.
Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson said the potential economic effect on the Robson Valley will become clearer if the project completes the environmental assessment process and receives approval.
Although the mine would be located outside the Robson Valley, its scale and proximity could create employment and business opportunities extending beyond the Thompson-Nicola region.
The project would be powered through a proposed 110-kilometre, 230-kilovolt transmission line connecting the mine site with an existing BC Hydro substation at 100 Mile House.
Trekor would be responsible for designing, permitting and constructing the line. The company says it would provide the mine with power generated from approximately 98 per cent renewable sources and would not change how electricity is delivered to surrounding communities.
The proposed mine and transmission line remains subject to a multi-year environmental review, Indigenous consultation, and additional regulatory approvals.
