Highland Valley Copper expansion project green-lit by Teck board

The extension of the mine site, located about 50 kilometres southwest of Kamloops, was approved by the company’s board of directors on Wednesday (July 23). That decision came about a month after the company received all of the necessary permits from government.

“The project will strengthen Canada’s critical minerals sector, generate new economic activity, and support the continuation of the jobs and community benefits that HVC generates for many more years to come,” Price added.

Existing pits to be mined until 2027

Expansion work will consist of upgrades at the mine and increased capacity requirements, as well as a mine pushback that will require more “waste-stripping to access high-quality ore within the Valley Pit.”

The work will result in 1,526 hectares of new land disturbance, according to the province.

Teck expects to mine its current Valley and Lornex pits until 2027 and transition through satellite orebodies (Bethlehem and Highmont) and lower grade Valley ore between 2028 and 2033 while work on the Valley pit pushback is being completed.

Between 2034 and 2046, Teck said the Valley pit will become the dominant source of “high-quality ore.”

Overview of the Highland Valley Copper mine extension. (Image Credit: Teck Resources)

The extension is expected to allow Teck to produce another two million tonnes of copper. The project was prioritized by the B.C. government as part of its efforts to diversify exports and strengthen the economy.

“We promised British Columbians we would move big projects forward faster to counter the threats we face,” Premier David Eby said in a statement. “This multi-billion dollar project… is just one example of how British Columbia can drive our country’s economy forward even in challenging times.”

Extension praised by Logan Lake, mine workers

According to company estimates, the extension will add 200 permanent jobs at the mine for a total of approximately 1,500 while generating $500 million in annual GDP from operations. The construction phase is expected to add another 2,900 jobs and $435 million in additional GDP.

“The expansion is wonderful news for the employees at Teck HVC as it secures good employment for over 1,500 workers in a great place to live,” Kyle Wolff, the president of the United Steelworkers Local 7619, said. “Investment into safer systems will ensure that we continue to put worker safety at the top of all our agendas.”

A number of HVC employees live in nearby Logan Lake and Mayor Robin Smith said the mine has shaped her community for generations.

“The extension is more than a milestone for the mine — it’s a reaffirmation of our shared history and a renewed commitment to building a strong, sustainable future together,” Smith said.

“It’s about more than jobs; it’s about legacy, continuity and a shared vision for generations to come.”

While First Nations support for the mine extension has been mixed with the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation opposed, the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) has been in favour of the project.

Christine Walkem, the Chief of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band and the chair of CNA, said the project was a defining moment for the eight participating bands that make up the Assembly.

“Through our nłeʔképmx Impact Assessment and as authors of our own sections into the Environmental Assessment application, the CNA established a new precedent in Canada,” Walkem said.

“It’s one where Indigenous law, Indigenous governance and Indigenous authority are not just consulted but embedded at the heart of decision-making about our lands, waters and people.”

Price added Teck will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous governments, local communities and stakeholders to “responsibly secure the long-term future of Highland Valley Copper.”

A complete project description report for the Highland Valley Copper mine expansion can be found here.

by Victor Kaisar

Highland Valley Copper expansion project green-lit by Teck board

Existing pits to be mined until 2027

Extension praised by Logan Lake, mine workers

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