B.C. approves Copper Mountain mine expansion amid environmental concerns

British Columbia approved the expansion of the Copper Mountain mine, and Hudbay says the extended project will produce large amounts of copper, gold and silver; environmental groups have raised concerns about a planned raise to the tailings dam.

British Columbia's government has approved an expansion of the Copper Mountain mine. Hudbay has provided estimates for higher production over the mine's extended lifespan. The province has presented the project as part of efforts to diversify trade away from the U.S. Environmental groups have objected because the plan includes raising the height of a tailings dam, and a 2023 coalition of 22 organizations urged a full environmental assessment. Key facts: - The provincial government approved the Copper Mountain mine expansion. - Hudbay estimates the extended project will yield about 750,000 tonnes of copper, 900,000 ounces of gold and 5.5 million ounces of silver. - Environmental groups have raised concerns about raising the tailings dam; a 2023 consortium of 22 groups, including the Wilderness Committee and the David Suzuki Foundation, urged a full environmental assessment. Summary: The approval advances a project the province links to increased mineral output and trade diversification. Undetermined at this time.