Eskay Creek has officially completed the Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) process in B.C., with positive final decisions from the Tahltan Central Government, the Government of B.C. and Federal Government. This major milestone for the project is a defining moment in Skeena’s history and is the culmination of over four years of extremely hard work by members of our team in advancing a rigorous environmental assessment.

Historic first in Canada
The multi-year process involved significant collaboration with the Tahltan Central Government, other Indigenous governments and organizations, and local, provincial and federal governments. We held more than 100 engagement sessions on the project as well as hundreds of meetings to make sure it reflects the interests of the people and communities it will affect.
Skeena’s Karen Leven, VP of Environment and Regulatory Affairs, underscores the EAC’s broader significance for Canada and Indigenous communities: “The EAC is groundbreaking because the Tahltan Nation’s consent to the Eskay Creek project is embedded within the EAC, marking a historic first in Canada through a landmark Section 7 agreement signed in 2022 between the Government of British Columbia and the Tahltan Central Government.”

Major mine permits approved
Alongside the EA process last year, we also submitted our major mine permits. Adds Karen: “These activities happened at the same time and involved managing a very rigorous existing regulatory regime, on top of integrating a completely new Section 7 process, which is something that has never been done before.”
Skeena received the final permits in early 2026, clearing the last regulatory approvals required to advance Eskay Creek into commercial development.

Responsible resource development
As part of the official announcement, the Honourable Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, stated: “I congratulate Skeena on reaching this important milestone with the receipt of the final permit to commence full-scale construction at Eskay Creek. This achievement represents a significant step forward in responsible resource development that supports jobs, strengthens local economies, and aligns with our shared commitment to environmental stewardship. We look forward to the positive contributions this project will bring to British Columbia’s mining sector and to the communities it supports.”