The Tahltan Nation and the Province of British Columbia have approved the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine near Stewart through a historic, first-of-its-kind agreement.
The project is the first in the province to move through the regulatory process under a Section 7 consent agreement of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This approach requires the free, prior, and informed consent of the Tahltan Nation before a project can proceed.
Tahltan Central Government President Kerry Carlick says the agreement recognizes what Tahltan people have always known — that they govern and protect their Territory. She says the process reflects a shift toward respectful partnership and shared decision-making between governments.
As part of the approval, the Tahltan Nation and the Province have also signed a Mineral Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement. The agreement will provide long-term revenue over the life of the mine, with the first payments expected as early as 2027-28. The funds will support housing, infrastructure improvements, and capacity building in Tahltan communities.
The Eskay Creek mine, owned by Skeena Gold and Silver, is located in northwestern B.C.’s Golden Triangle. The project is expected to create approximately 1,000 construction jobs and more than 770 jobs during operations.
The Province says the project meets environmental standards and reflects a new, consent-based model for resource development in British Columbia.
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