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Province approves Eskay Creek mine, first Declaration Act Section 7 agreement

Press Release

Jan. 27, 2026

VANCOUVER

Summary

  • With the Environment Assessment Certificate issued and a Mines Act permit now in place, the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine, near Stewart, is approved for reopening, having received federal approval, provided permits under the Environment Management Act are issued
  • The mine, owned by Skeena Gold and Silver, will create approximately 1,000 construction jobs and more than 770 operational jobs, building on the Province’s Look West economic and job-creation strategy
  • The company is advancing the mine in full collaboration with the Tahltan Central Government
  • The Eskay Creek mine project is the first to go through the regulatory process under a Section 7 agreement negotiated under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

The Province and the Tahltan Nation have reached a historic milestone by jointly making regulatory decisions on the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine through the first-ever Declaration Act Section 7 agreement. The project is expected to deliver lasting benefits for the Tahltan Nation and people who live throughout British Columbia by creating jobs and supporting economic growth.

Reconciliation in progress

“Today marks success for yet another multibillion-dollar investment in our province that will deliver prosperity, jobs and stability for all British Columbians, achieved in true partnership with the Tahltan,” said Premier David Eby. “Congratulations to all who were involved in this important work. Those who want to end our work with First Nations would not have delivered these thousands of jobs, period. Following their advice would leave us poorer, tied up in court and in a place of uncertainty. Canadians don’t have time for that. Families need results now, and together with First Nations, industry, workers and local communities, we are delivering real opportunity. With Mount Milligan ($400 million), Highland Valley Copper ($1.5 billion), and Blackwater expansion Phase 3 ($1.4 billion), more than $3 billion in job-creating investment in B.C.’s mining sector has reached final investment decision in just the last month, creating thousands of high-paying new jobs.”

Kerry Carlick, president of the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), said: “This is a hugely important day. TCG’s decision to consent to the Eskay Creek Project reflects a historic, precedent-setting process that affirms Tahltan Nation’s authority over development in our Territory, recognized by the Province and Skeena Gold + Silver. Through respectful collaboration, Tahltan and western perspectives were woven together to review the project, creating stronger assessments and demonstrating that respecting First Nations’ self-government can lead to shared prosperity and a better future for all who work in our Territory. The Mineral Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement with the Province is an important step forward, helping ensure real and lasting benefits for Tahltan communities.”

The decisions by the Province and Tahltan Central Government on the Eskay Creek Revitalization project were made under the Province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). This consent-based Section 7 agreement, signed between Tahltan Central Government and the Province in 2022, required the free, prior and informed consent of the Tahltan Nation for the project to proceed, reflecting a new approach to decision-making that recognizes Indigenous rights and jurisdictions within provincial processes.

This agreement demonstrates how the Declaration Act is being implemented in a meaningful and practical way. It advances the Province’s commitment to reconciliation by moving beyond consultation toward collaborative consent-based decision-making, strengthening relationships with First Nations, and creating a respectful, transparent and predictable framework for resource development in British Columbia.

Advancing mining industry in B.C.

“The Eskay Creek mine is a priority project for our government, and I am pleased to see it moving forward following careful decision-making by both the Tahltan Central Government and the provincial government,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “This project represents an important milestone toward meaningful reconciliation. The collaborative work from all parties to enable the reopening of this mine reflects our commitment to ensuring mining projects that respect Indigenous interests and environmental values proceed responsibly and deliver lasting benefits for British Columbians.”

Eskay Creek gold-silver mine, located in the heart of B.C.’s Golden Triangle region, is one of the 18 priority projects designated by the Province. It is anticipated that the project will create approximately 1,000 construction jobs and more than 770 jobs during operations.

The mine involves a projected capital expenditure of $713 million and, as estimated during the environmental assessment process, is expected to generate approximately $1.19 billion in provincial revenue.

Through a strong, collaborative review process, and following issuance of Tahltan’s consent decision to the Environmental Assessment Office, the Province issued the Environmental Assessment Certificate and the Major Mines Permit for the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Priority projects are about actions government can take to improve efficiency in decision-making, while still ensuring these projects continue to meet B.C.’s world-class safety and environmental standards and commitments to consultation.

The Tahltan Central Government and Province are also entering into a mineral tax revenue-sharing agreement, with the first mineral tax payment available as early as 2027-28.

Supporting high environmental standards

  • The Province has worked closely with Skeena Gold and Silver and Tahltan Nation to ensure the Eskay Creek Mine upholds B.C.’s rigorous environmental and community safety standards.
  • Advancing responsible mining projects that deliver long-term economic stability to local communities and the people who rely on the industry remains a top priority for the Province.

Jobs and prosperity for B.C. and Canada

  • This project supports Look West, a strategic plan to reduce barriers, accelerate major projects, and create good jobs and opportunities for people and businesses throughout B.C. and across Canada.
  • Through Look West, the Province is working to grow B.C.’s critical minerals sector through strong partnerships with First Nations and creating more certainty through reliable permitting timelines for major projects.

Quotes:

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“Through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, we are demonstrating new ways of working together, growing the economy, and achieving certainty. In a time of global upheaval, this is proof positive that our collective efforts are providing a better way forward.”

Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks –

“We know British Columbians expect us to drive forward economic prosperity paired with robust environmental protections. By having the Environmental Assessment Office work in a co-ordinated way with other permitting agencies – and in a way that recognized Tahltan’s decision-making role in the project, we have shown the world what it looks like when First Nations and the Province move forward together for the benefit of hard-working British Columbians and the environment alike. In this way, we are building our economy while protecting our land and waters for generations to come.”

Chief Marie Quock, Iskut Band –

“The consent agreement for Eskay Creek marks a turning point for Tahltan people and for how decisions are made in Tahltan Territory. By recognizing Tahltan jurisdiction and placing our values at the centre of environmental assessment and permitting processes, this agreement shows what is possible when Indigenous rights and priorities are respected in provincial law. It sets a strong foundation for responsible resource development that better aligns with our stewardship responsibilities.”

Chief Richard (Rocky) Jackson, Tahltan Band –

“This agreement is about more than one project – it is about the Province recognizing Tahltan title, rights, and decision-making authority within our Territory. Through Section 7 of the Declaration Act, Tahltan consent is no longer symbolic; it is required. This creates a new standard for how the Province and First Nations work together to shape resource development and our shared future.”

Randy Reichert, chief executive officer, Skeena Gold and Silver –

“This is a defining moment in our company’s history. I thank the Tahltan Nation for their partnership and collaboration over the last 10 years. The issuance of the Environmental Assessment Certificate reflects this collaboration and reinforces Eskay Creek’s position as setting the standard for responsible, world-class development in British Columbia. I further extend my appreciation to the Skeena Regulatory Engagement team for their tireless efforts in advancing a rigorous environmental assessment.”

Quick Facts:

  • Located in the heart of northwestern British Columbia’s Golden Triangle region, Eskay Creek is a high-grade volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit that was previously operated as an underground mine from 1994-2008.
  • Skeena is redeveloping Eskay Creek as an open-pit mining operation with a projected 13-year mine life.
  • The project received an environmental assessment certificate on Jan. 26, 2026. The Declaration Act Consent Decision-Making Agreement for Eskay Creek Project between B.C. and Tahltan Central Government guided the collaborative decision-making process by each government under the Environmental Assessment Act.
  • Environmental Management Act permit approvals are also required for the project to proceed. Decisions are expected soon.
  • Mineral Tax Revenue Sharing agreements are government-to-government tools that provide a predictable, long-term partnership framework for mining activity over the lifecycle of a mine, while ensuring First Nations share in economic benefits through the sharing of mineral tax revenue linked to specific projects.

Learn More:

Contacts:
Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals
Media Relations
250-514-0510

Tahltan Central Government
Tahltan Communications
gordon@engageconsultancy.ca
604-351-0726

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