The proposed Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is in the fourth phase of the environmental assessment process, called application development and review. In this phase, Skeena Gold + Silver developed an application for an environmental assessment certificate (EAC Application), which must be granted for the project to proceed. The application includes all of the technical studies and information required by the Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) in the next phase to assess the project’s potential impacts.
Be a Part of The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project
Skeena Gold + Silver is proposing to develop and operate the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project (the Project), an open pit gold and silver mine at the past producing Eskay Creek Mine site located in northwestern British Columbia. The Project is located within Tahltan Territory1 and Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory1. The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project will be an example of responsible and collaborative development, providing jobs and tax revenue for local communities. The Project entered the environmental assessment process in July 2021, and a Definitive Feasibility Study was completed in November 2023. Skeena Gold + Silver submitted an application for an environmental assesesment certificate (EAC Application) was submitted in August 2024. Skeena is committed to inclusive dialogue and meaningful engagement regarding all aspects of the Project development.
1. For the purposes of this webpage, “territory” is defined as the established or asserted traditional territories of Indigenous Nations, except in relation to the Nisg̱a’a Nation, which refers to Nisg̱a’a Lands, the Nass Area, and the Nass Wildlife Area as per the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement.”
Ways to Engage
Participate in the Environmental Assessment Process
Engagement
The BC EAO is seeking public feedback on the accuracy and completeness of the application, which includes details like:
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The proposed design of the project
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Where it will be located
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The potential environmental, social, economic, cultural and health impacts of the project
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Various requirements that could be put in place to reduce the potential adverse impacts or to enhance positive impacts
View the EAC Application and Submit Your Feedback
Learn More
Virtual Open House
The Virtual Open House offers visitors summaries on key chapters of the EAC Application, links to the latest company newsletters and an interactive 3-D map of the Project for users to explore.
About the Project
The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is focused on reopening the historical underground mine as a conventional truck and shovel open-pit operation that will produce a gold-silver concentrate on-site which will be transported off-site to third-party smelters. The Project will process up to 3.6 million tonnes of ore, producing an average of between 0.20 and 0.25 million ounces of gold and between 5.5 and 7.0 million ounces of silver annually. Silver is an essential component in many industries and is critical in the production of electronic devices. The project will utilize existing infrastructure from the former mine.
Eskay Creek is a historic mine site with significant existing infrastructure already in place, including a fully permitted Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), camps, offices, and all-weather access roads into site. Clean power will be accessed through the Coast Mountain Hydroelectric Facilities (Forrest Kerr, McLymont Creek and Volcano Creek run of the river), partly owned by the Tahltan Nation, or by accessing the main hydroelectric grid. The capital cost of the development is estimated to be C$713 million.
Skeena Gold + Silver is committed to the principles of United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and working collaboratively with local Indigenous Nations and local communities. For more information, please see our 2023 ESG Report.
12
Years of Operations
3,214
Annual Average of full-time jobs
$1.1 billion
direct benefit to BC in
mineral and income tax
3.9 million
ounces of gold equivalent (LOM Production)
About the Environmental Assessment Certificate Application
Following a request from the Tahltan Central Government, the Project was designated by the EAO as a reviewable project under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act in July 2021. The Project is also a designated project under the federal Impact Assessment Act, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change approved a request for substitution in November 2022. This means that the BC EAO is administering both the federal and provincial assessment processes.
In June 2022, the Tahltan Nation and Province of British Columbia signed the Declaration Act Consent Decision-Making Agreement for the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project, which is the first of its kind. This agreement establishes the requirement for Tahltan consent before the Project can proceed, and sets the associated
decision-making process.
The information Skeena Gold + Silver is required to include in its Application for an EAC Application for the Project is described in the Hybrid Application Information Requirements issued by BC EAO.
The EAC Application includes:
- A project overview and description of the regulatory framework for the environmental assessment
- A summary of Skeena Gold + Silver’s engagement and collaboration with Indigenous Nations and of the Project’s effects on Indigenous Interests
- A summary of Skeena Gold + Silver’s engagement with the public, local government, and others
- Assessment of the potential effects of the Project on Valued Components
- Assessment of the Project’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
- Assessment of risks from potential malfunctions and accidents
- Assessment of the effects of the environment on the Project (e.g., fires, floods),
- including the effects of climate change
- Summaries of the Project’s effects on biophysical factors, human and community
- well-being, and current and future generations
- A summary of management and protection measures
Eskay Creek Historical Timeline
1932
Initial discovery of mineralization
A syndicate directed by Tom MacKay explored and identified more than 30 mineral showings in the Iskut River region.
Tom MacKay’s original cabin is still existing on-site today!
1988
Discovery Hole
Exploration drilling in 1988 led to the discovery of the 21A and 21B zones.
Geologists looking at Eskay core
1994
Eskay Creek Mine opens
After successfully receiving its environmental assessment certificate and mine permit, Eskay Creek began operating and producing as an underground mine. The mine went on to produce approximately 3.3 million ounces of gold and 160 million ounces of silver at average grades of 45 g/t gold and 2,224 g/t silver and was once the world’s highest-grade gold mine and fifth-largest silver mine by volume.
Driller at work in the underground workings of the Eskay Creek Mine
2008
Eskay Creek Mine closes
Mining operations ceased, and the site entered care and maintenance with ongoing site reclamation and treatment of water from the underground workings. The mine status became considered as “Recognized Closed Mine”.
Environmental technician collecting hydrology readings
2017
Skeena Secures Option to Acquire Eskay Creek
Skeena signed an agreement with Barrick granting an option for the Company to acquire a 100% interest in the past-producing Eskay Creek property and began exploration activities at Eskay.
Drill rig set up to complete Skeena exploration drilling
2019
Skeena issues Preliminary Economic Assessment For Eskay Creek
The Preliminary Economic Assessment produced a design based on an open pit mine with on-site treatment of the mined material by conventional milling and flotation to recover a gold-silver concentrate for provision to third party smelters.
Rendering of the 2019 Preliminary Economic Assessment design
2020
Skeena Closes Transaction to Acquire 100% of Eskay Creek
Skeena becomes a 100% owner of the Eskay Creek gold-silver project, and completes approximately 83,000 metres of drilling.
The Skeena camp located at the existing Eskay Creek mine building site
2021
Skeena Releases Prefeasibility Study
The Prefeasiblity Study considers on an open-pit mine with on-site treatment of the mined material by conventional milling and flotation to recover a gold-silver concentrate.
2022
Skeena Releases Feasibility Study
The 2022 Feasibility Study highlights a 9-year operating life with total production of 2.4 million ounces of gold and 66.7 million ounces of silver.
2023
Skeena Releases Definitive Feasibility Study
The 2023 DFS realized several key improvements, including: an increased mine life to 12 years, a higher-grade concentrate, and a new camp layout.
2024
Skeena Submits Initial EAC Application
The EAC Application describes potential effects of the Project on environmental, social, economic, health and cultural aspects and was co-developed with the Tahltan Nation. The EAC Application concluded that the Project will overall result in positive residual socio-economic effects in northern British Columbia.
Community Commitment
Skeena is committed to delivering value and prosperity to our Indigenous Nation partners and surrounding communities. The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project will be an example of responsible development, providing jobs and tax revenue.
Skeena is committed
to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through responsible and sustainable mining development.
Skeena is committed
to respecting and protecting the land for future generations.
Skeena is committed
to delivering value and prosperity to our Indigenous Nation partners, and surrounding communities.
Skeena is committed
to being open, honest and transparent and moving forward together, hand in hand.
Business Opportunities and Job Creation
Skeena seeks to provide employment and contracting opportunities to local community members and companies. In 2023, Skeena spent over $75 million in Northwestern BC to support our project, with over 58% of budget going to Indigenous businesses and joint venture partnerships.
Community Investment
Skeena seeks to work with and support local communities in building partnerships and creating opportunities.
Community Investment
Skeena seeks to work with and support local communities in building partnerships and creating opportunities related to their Projects. We accept requests for financial donations or in-kind contributions to support community-based initiatives that build economic, social and cultural capacity as well as create a social and economic legacy in the communities where we work. Requests for donations, sponsorship and/or contributions, either financial or in-kind, must demonstrate both benefits to the community and community support.
All completed applications should be submitted by the 1st of the month.The Skeena Community Investment Committee meets monthly and will provide a decision at the end of each month.
Community Investment Donation Form
Download Form
Skeena has identified the following as key funding areas:
Community Education
Community Wellness
Arts, Culture & Language
Indigenous Engagement
Skeena is committed to the principles of UNDRIP and developing meaningful relationships with Indigenous Communities. The Project is located within Tahltan Territory1 and the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory1.
Gold-silver concentrate will be transported to the port of Stewart via Highway 37 and 37A will pass through Nass and Nass Wildlife Areas (as defined in the Nisga’a Final Agreement) of the Nisga’a Nation and the territory of the Gitanyow Nation.
1. For the purposes of this webpage, “territory” is defined as the established or asserted traditional territories of Indigenous Nations, except in relation to the Nisga’a Nation, which refers to Nisga’a Lands, the Nass Area, and the Nass Wildlife Area as per the Nisga’a Final Agreement.”
Tahltan Mentorship Program
Skeena is particularly proud of the mentorship program, which was launched at the start of 2020. There have been six Tahltan individuals that have participated in the program, whose career projections range from engineering, business studies, to apprenticeship within the trades. One of the goals of the program is to develop the mentees' skills and understanding of the mining industry, as well as expose them to the entire sequence of mine development, including planning, permitting, engineering, construction, and operations. Overall, this program aims to increase Tahltan representation throughout all levels of the company and to provide mentees with the ability, experience and knowledge to support decision-making regarding the Project, Territory, and company.
Read media coverage of launch
Media Coverage
Unique Collaboration and Design
Skeena Gold + Silver has worked closely with members of the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) to develop environmental and social design principles such that Skeena can act as good stewards on Tahltan Land. These principles are used to inform and guide the Project design as it develops through its initial Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) design to its closure.
Skeena has existing agreements in place with Tahltan Nation including Communications, Exploration and Opportunity Sharing Agreements.
Environment and Social Design Principles
Skeena has worked closely with members of TCG to develop environmental and social design principles such that Skeena can act as good stewards on Tahltan Land
Assure that the development will:
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Not pose a threat of irreparable environmental damage
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Develop management regime to manage and minimize impacts to water resources, critical wildlife impact, fisheries, culturally important areas, health and safety of communities
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Minimize mine footprint and utilize previously disturbed areas to the extent feasible
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Maximize energy efficiency of mine operations to the extent feasible
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Not compromise Indigenous Title and Rights
With respect to the Tahltan assure that the development will provide:
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More positive than negative social impacts
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Education and direct employment-related training in connection with the project
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Opportunity for equity participation in the total project
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Opportunity for development of Tahltan businesses
A New Conservancy
A new conservancy to protect the environment and wildlife on Tahltan territory has been created in an area of northwestern BC historically known as the Ice Mountain Lands, adjacent to Mount Edziza Provincial Park. The TCG, the Province of BC, Skeena Gold + Silver, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and BC Parks Foundation have worked in partnership to create the conservancy.
Environmental Commitment
Skeena is committed to mitigating impacts from our pursuits by conducting our activities in a manner that protects the environment. We work to achieve a clean environment that can be used by future generation.
Water Conservation
Wildlife Protection
Respect and protect the land for future generations
Culture and Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What kind of mine is Skeena proposing?
The mine is proposed to be an open pit mine with on-site processing of the mined material by conventional milling and flotation to recover a gold-silver concentrate for provision to third party smelters. Tailings and potential acid generating (PAG) waste rock produced from this process would be placed in the existing Tailings Storage Facility, while non-acid generating (NAG) waste rock would be stored in a waste rock storage facility.
How long will the mine run?
The mine will be constructed over 1.5 years, produce and operate for approximately 12 years, and complete closure over a three-year period.
How many people will be employed at the minesite?
During the construction period, there will be approximately 700 employees at site, while during operations, we anticipate having approximately 500 people working at site.
What is the expected tax revenue for the Province of BC?
The expected tax revenue from Eskay Creek is C$1.1B (BC Mineral Tax C$570 M & Provincial Income Tax C$440M).
How do companies qualify for contracting opportunities?
Skeena has a prequalification process for contractors that are interested in working with us. Interested contractors fill out a Skeena prequalification form, which is sent back to our purchasing department to be reviewed internally for completeness. If a contractor is approved, they are added to our Approved Vendors List. If you are interested in becoming an approved contractor or have more questions, please send a request for a prequalification form to purchasing@skeenaresources.com.
How do local communities benefit from the proposed mine?
Skeena’s goal is to maximize supplies, employees and contract opportunities from local communities for the proposed mine.
Environment
Will the mine impact wildlife?
High winter snowpack limits wildlife habitat in the area. Summer wildlife observations have identified that black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and small mammals such as martens, wolverines, voles and marmots use this area at certain times of the year. The historical wildlife database (beginning in 1993) is being complemented with updated studies to be able to manage and mitigate any potential impacts.
Indigenous Nations
What Indigenous Nations are in the vicinity of the proposed mine?
The project is located within the Tahltan Territory1 and Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory1.
Concentrate transported to port of Stewart via Highway 37 and 37A will pass through Nass and Nass Wildlife Areas (as defined in the Nisga’a Final Agreement) of the Nisga’a Nation and the territory of the Gitanyow Nation.
What agreements have been signed with Indigenous Nations?
Communications, Exploration and Opportunities agreements have been signed with Tahltan Nation.
1. For the purposes of this webpage, “territory” is defined as the established or asserted traditional territories of Indigenous Nations, except in relation to the Nisga’a Nation, which refers to Nisga’a Lands, the Nass Area, and the Nass Wildlife Area as per the Nisga’a Final Agreement.”
Operations
What is being mined?
The mine will produce a gold and silver concentrate.
Where will the ore be transported and how?
The project will produce a gold-silver concentrate, which will be transported via covered trucks on Highway 37 and 37A to the Port of Stewart. From here, it will be shipped to smelters offshore.
What are the existing facilities at site that will be utilized?
The existing Tom Mackay tailings storage facility that was utilized during the former mining operations has capacity for additional tailings and waste rock. This will be utilized in the revitalized project.
The existing access route from Highway 37 into the mine site is currently being utilized to support Skeena’s advanced exploration work and it will continue to be utilized during the Project’s life.
Additionally, Skeena Gold + Silver has refurbished existing office buildings from the former operation for usage.
How will the mine tailings be stored?
Tailings will be placed via a pipeline into the existing Tom MacKay Storage Facility.
What happens to the waste rock at the mine?
Waste rock will be placed in several locations including in an external waste rock storage facility (WRSF); back into the North open pit and the existing Tom MacKay Storage Facility.