Permit approved to extract bulk sample of ore at Eskay Creek
We’re pleased to report that Skeena has received approval from the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to extract a 10,000-tonne bulk sample at Eskay Creek. Bulk sampling is a process of taking large samples of ore for testing, to better understand its mineral content and economic potential.
The Bulk Technical Sample (BTS) application has been the subject of engagement with the Tahltan Central Government, local Indigenous groups and communities. Additionally, extensive environmental baseline monitoring, engineering design, geotechnical investigation, stockpile assessment, safety and reclamation studies have been completed to support the bulk sample program.
The receipt of the Bulk Technical Sample permit, issued in late 2024, is a major milestone as it grants us the necessary authorizations for all planned development activities at Eskay Creek this year. It is also significant because it is a key condition precedent for the release of US$200 million in gold stream project funding from our financier, Orion Resource Partners. In 2025, we plan to advance the necessary preparations that will enable us to access and prepare the bulk sample target area and begin extracting mineralized material for testing. Key activities include building a water treatment plant, warehouse and new camp dedicated to the bulk sample work, as well as stockpiling mine rock material and developing a bulk sample pit.
Key Management Plans
All of the work Skeena does to advance the bulk technical sample program will be aligned with 17 management plans developed for the program. These plans include:
Metal Leaching/Acid Rock Drainage Management
- Details on rock handling and laboratory analysis
- Non-potentially acid-generating (NPAG) and potentially acid-generating (PAG) rock handling are different
- PAG material will be placed in the Tom Mackay Storage Facility for closure
Construction Environmental Management Plan
- Details on executing construction
- Incorporates key sections from other plans
- Details on monitoring and reporting
- Trigger action response planning
Water Management Plan
- Covers all phases of project development
- Details on surface and groundwater
- Design criteria for water management features
- Incorporates existing and proposed discharges
- Includes monitoring requirements
Sediment and Erosion Control Plan
- Roles, responsibilities and training
- Management approach and methodology
- Response plan details
Wildlife Management Plan
- Employee training and awareness
- Monitoring and reporting requirements
- Preliminary reclamation recommendations
Vegetation Management Plan
- Detailed monitoring and reporting plans
- Provisions for adaptive mitigation
- Considerations for reclamation planning
Archeological Management and Impact Mitigation
- Archaeological and cultural awareness training
- Chance Find procedures
Reclamation and Closure Plan
- Focus on returning land use
- Co-developed closure objectives with Tahltan Nation