B.C. approves expansion of open-pit Copper Mountain mine in southern Interior

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government has approved the expansion of an open-pit copper and gold mine in the province’s southern Interior.

A statement from Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals says B.C. has issued permits under mines and environmental management legislation for the New Ingerbelle expansion at the Copper Mountain mine near Princeton.

The province says the work will extend the mine’s operation by 12 years, supporting about 800 jobs, with most workers living in the area.

It says the review included engagement with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, local governments and technical regulators.

The province says it’s projected the mine will produce about 750,000 tonnes of copper, 25.5 tonnes of gold and 156 tonnes of silver based on current reserves over its extended lifespan.

Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne says in the statement his community is “happy to hear” news of the expansion, which provides employment and economic security.

It marks the third major mine permit approval so far this year, the province says, following the Eskay Creek and Mount Milligan permits issued in January.

It’s the sixth approval in the past 12 months, the statement adds, including Dome Mountain, the Quintette Mine restart and the Highland Valley Copper expansion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 23, 2026.