Tahltan leadership has signalled support for a draft agreement with Skeena Gold + Silver that would mark a significant step toward restarting operations at the Eskay Creek mine. The project is regarded as one of the world鈥檚 highest-grade, lowest-cost open-pit precious metals projects.
A notice issued Aug. 14 to members by Tahltan Central Government President Kerry Carlick confirmed that leadership鈥攊ncluding Vice President Kimberly Marion, Secretary-Treasurer Carol Danielson, Chief Marie Quock of the Iskut Band, and Chief Richard (Rocky) Jackson of the Tahltan Band鈥攈as reviewed the work of the negotiating team and directed them to begin engagement with members.
A ratification vote on the proposed Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) is scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9.
"This agreement represents another significant step forward for our Nation in our journey towards economic sovereignty. In addition, we believe it holds great promise as we prioritize increasing services and infrastructure in our three Tahltan communities," wrote Carlick.
While specific details of the IBA have not been made public, members are being encouraged to take part in the community engagement process to ensure all perspectives are reflected in the final decision.
Eskay Creek operated as an underground mine from 1994 to 2008. It is now being proposed as an open-pit mine with a planned capacity of up to 3.7 million tonnes per year over an 18-year lifespan. The site is located about 135 kilometres south of Iskut, 83 kilometres northwest of Stewart, and 40 kilometres from the B.C.-Alaska border.
The proposed agreement with the Tahltan Nation comes as the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project continues to reach key development milestones. In May, Skeena Resources signed an agreement with Coast Mountain Hydro to connect the site to a transmission line located 17 kilometres away. The first tie-ins to the 287-kilovolt line have already been completed.
Skeena Gold has also filed its revised Environmental Assessment application and submitted applications under the BC Mines Act and Environmental Management Act in close succession, an achievement, noted Skeena's CEO, Randy Reichert, "that is noteworthy within the industry and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the project according to our timeline.鈥�
With much of the core infrastructure already in place and funding secured to modernize the site, Skeena hopes to start production in 2027.
