Image Credit: Contributed by Teck Highland Valley Copper
May 26, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Two First Nations disputes delayed final approval for a planned extension to one of BC's largest mines. Now concluded, the province is set to consider giving them the green light.
It's currently slated to operate until 2028, but the massive copper mine near Logan Lake will operate for nearly two more decades if approved, according to plans submitted to the province.
Two First Nations organizations disputed the extension through the environmental assessment office within the past six months, forcing the province to contract mediators.
The Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council later withdrew their dispute, meaning it will be up to two BC cabinet ministers to decide whether to approve Teck's 18-year mine life extension.
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The tribal council, which represents a third of Nlaka'pamux First Nations, said it didn't consent to environmental plans as proposed, citing wildlife, forestry and water concerns. Its March 14 letter said past attempts to resolve disagreements were not successful.
It then cancelled the first two meetings with the provincially-appointed facilitator and by May 15, tribal chair Matt Pasco withdrew the dispute. It's not clear what prompted the withdrawal.
Stk'emlupsemc Te Secwepemc Nation filed an earlier dispute in November 2024. The organization represents Tk'emlups and Skeetchestn, which has environmental concerns in addition to disputed claims of historic land title to the area.
Secwepemc title to the Highland Valley area are not recognized by the province and Nlaka'pamux First Nations have challenged their assertion.
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That dispute was resolved earlier this spring, but the facilitator did not mention issue of land title in his final report to the province.
It now goes to the ministers of environment and mines for approval, months after the province announced intentions to fast-track environmental assessments for large industrial projects in BC, motivated by a Trump trade war.
According to Teck, the extension would bring nearly $2 billion in capital investment and create around 2,900 jobs during construction. The mine would then support 1,500 jobs and generate nearly $500 million in GDP per year.
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