Skeena secures key permits for Eskay Creek, clearing path to 2027 production

The permit follows the company’s receipt, a day earlier, of its Environmental Assessment (EA) Certificate and federal Impact Assessment Act approval for the project, completing the environmental review process.

The Mines Act permit builds on British Columbia’s first Section 7 Declaration Act agreement, entered into jointly with the Tahltan Central Government.

The Major Mines Act permit forms part of a joint permitting application under the British Columbia Mines Act and Environmental Management Act. The Environmental Management Act permit is currently under review and, once issued, will represent the final key regulatory approval required for commercial development and operations.

Skeena expects to receive the Environmental Management Act permit in February, enabling initial production at Eskay Creek in the second quarter of 2027.

The environmental assessment process, which began in August 2024, included more than 60 engagement sessions within local communities and over 500 meetings with the Tahltan Central Government. Skeena also consulted with local and non-local Indigenous groups, including the Nisga’a Lisims Government, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation and the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission, as well as other Alaska tribes.

More than 4 000 written comments from community members were received and addressed during the process. The Tahltan Nation’s consent is embedded within the Environmental Assessment Certificate through a Section 7 agreement signed in 2022.

Nalaine Morin, senior VP of environment and social affairs, said the achievement was especially meaningful to her as a member of the Tahltan Nation. "Receiving our EA Certificate as the first company in Canadian history through the Section 7 agreement, demonstrates what is possible when Indigenous rights and responsible resource development are advanced together. This milestone reflects years of trust-building, hard work, and a shared commitment to doing things differently. At Skeena, we are proud of what has been accomplished and remain firmly committed to reconciliation as an ongoing, living practice that guides how we operate today and into the future.”

CEO Randy Reichert said the approvals was a defining moment for the company. "I would like to thank the government of British Columbia for its support of the project and for prioritizing our application approval. I would also like to thank the Tahltan Nation for their partnership and collaboration over the last ten years.

"The issuance of the EAC reflects this collaboration and reinforces Eskay Creek’s position as setting the standard for responsible, world-class development in British Columbia. I further extend my appreciation to the Skeena Regulatory Engagement team for their tireless efforts in advancing a rigorous environmental assessment. The team set new benchmarks for meeting timelines while skillfully navigating new challenges associated with the Section 7 agreement.”

British Columbia Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar welcomed the collaborative approach taken by the company.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Skeena Gold and Silver for its collaborative approach and its commitment to working respectfully with the Tahltan Nation and government partners throughout the process. This kind of collaboration is critical to advance important projects like Eskay Creek, which will benefit the entire province while protecting the environment and continuing on our path to reconciliation.”

With the Mines Act permit now in hand and the final Environmental Management Act approval pending, Skeena is advancing Eskay Creek toward construction and production, positioning the project as one of British Columbia’s next major precious metals developments.