Highland Valley Copper mine
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Teck Highland Valley Copper
June 17, 2025 - 3:41 PM
An environmental plan for a massive copper mine near Logan Lake has been approved for an expansion, paving the way to extend its lifespan by 15 years.
The $1.5 billion Highland Valley Copper project will add 200 more permanent jobs to the mine which currently employees 1,320 people, according to a Ministry of Environment media release issued today, June 17. There will be 500 to 1,250 jobs during construction of the expansion which will keep the mine operating until 2043.
It would have reached its production limit in 2028 had the expansion not been approved.
The province announced its approval nearly six years after Teck first began the environmental assessment process. Some major mining permits are yet to be awarded, but the ministry said decisions are "expected soon."
“This positive decision by the Government of BC will support extending the life of Canada’s largest copper mine, strengthening the North America critical minerals supply chain and contributing to jobs and economic activity,” Teck president and CEO Jonathan Price said in a news release.
The company is preparing for construction and, if all permits are approved, construction would begin in the third quarter of this year.
“This is an important step forward that positions the project for a final construction sanction decision in the near term. I want to thank Indigenous Governments and the Province of BC for their thoughtful assessment of (the mine life extension), and local communities, employees and all stakeholders for their engagement and feedback," Price said.
Highland Valley Copper was one of several projects named by the province to be fast-tracked for approvals due to the Trump trade war, but it was also met with opposition from some area First Nations.
Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council and Stk'emlupsemc Te Secwepemc Nation launched disputes with the mine's environmental assessment plans in the months before approval. The former later withdrew their opposition to the project, while Stk'emlupsemc's dispute ended after a mediator suggested several adjustments to the province.
Environment Minister Tamara Davidson and Mines Minister Jagrup Brar decided the approve the environmental plan after finding the roughly 1,500-hectare expansion won't have "significant adverse impacts" beyond those already made to the land and water surrounding the open pit mine.
Teck said the copper mine currently contributes $500 million to the BC economy.
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