Guide · updated October 12, 2026

BC mining projects 2026: copper and gold mines under construction and in permitting

The British Columbia mines with real spending in 2026: Highland Valley Copper, Blackwater, Red Chris, Eskay Creek, KSM and Kemess. What stage each is at, who owns it, and the next milestone, from company and B.C. government sources.

B.C. mining is in a build phase. Teck’s Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension has been under construction since August 2025, with work running through 2028. Artemis Gold started major works on the Blackwater expansion in August 2026, aiming for 21 Mtpa throughput by Q4 2028. In the Golden Triangle, Red Chris has its provincial and Tahltan approvals to move to block-cave mining, with a final investment decision expected later in 2026. Skeena’s Eskay Creek is targeting first ore in Q2 2027.

Earlier in the pipeline, Seabridge has energized the Treaty Creek Terminal for KSM, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits. Centerra’s Kemess restart is heading for a pre-feasibility study in 2027. Power is the common constraint: the North Coast Transmission Line and BC Hydro’s substation work decide when several of these can run at full rate. The tracked projects are below.

In this guide

1. Red Chris block cave and Eskay Creek
2. Seabridge KSM copper-gold project
3. Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension
4. Artemis Gold Blackwater EP2 expansion
5. Centerra Kemess restart

Red Chris block cave and Eskay Creek

British Columbia · Mining · Golden Triangle

Red Chris goes to an FID vote; Eskay Creek nears first ore.

• Status: —
• Next: Red Chris FID later this year · Eskay power late Nov, first ore Q2 2027
• Disclosed cost: Red Chris ~C$3B (Newmont); Eskay Creek US$659M (2026 update)
• In service: Eskay first production Q2 2027

Sources:

• BC Gov, Red Chris
• Skeena transcript, Sep 28
• BC Gov, Eskay Creek

Seabridge KSM copper-gold project

British Columbia · Mining · Northwest B.C. (near Stewart)

Treaty Creek Terminal energized while the 'substantially started' ruling is reconsidered.

• Status: Treaty Creek Terminal substantially complete and energized Aug 27, 2026; EAO reconsideration of substantially-started designation under way
• Next: Terminal in service by Nov 2026; EAO recommendation on renewed determination
• Disclosed cost: Over C$1.2B invested to date (company)
• Owner: Seabridge Gold

Sources:

• Seabridge, Treaty Creek Terminal energized, Sept 2026
• Seabridge, EAO review

Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension

British Columbia · Mining · Logan Lake

A C$2.1–2.4B brownfield extension keeps Canada's largest copper mine running to 2046.

• Status: Under construction since Aug 2025; mill upgrades advancing in H2 2026
• Next: Construction through 2028
• Disclosed cost: C$2.1–2.4B (Teck)
• Owner: Teck Resources (100%)
• In service: 2028

Sources:

• Teck, HVC MLE project page
• Teck Q2 2026 presentation
• Teck sanction release (2025)

Artemis Gold Blackwater EP2 expansion

British Columbia · Mining · Near Vanderhoof

Major works on a C$1.44B expansion to 21 Mtpa began ahead of schedule.

• Status: Major works construction under way since Aug 2026; on budget
• Next: Throughput to 21 Mtpa by Q4 2028
• Disclosed cost: C$1.44B (EP2, company)
• Owner: Artemis Gold; Contractors: EPCM: Lycopodium
• In service: Q4 2028

Sources:

• Artemis Gold, major works release (Aug 4, 2026)
• Artemis Gold news

Centerra Kemess restart

British Columbia · Mining · Toodoggone, north-central B.C.

Centerra's Kemess restart has a positive PEA, targeting first production in late 2031.

• Status: PEA (Jan 2026): after-tax NPV5% C$1.1B; pre-feasibility study expected 2027
• Next: Pre-feasibility 2027; BC Hydro substation upgrade and permits on the critical path
• Disclosed cost: Not publicly disclosed
• Owner: Centerra Gold
• In service: Late 2031 (target)

Sources:

• Centerra Gold, Kemess PEA release (2026)
• Centerra, Kemess project

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