Skeena Resources Limited announced it has received the Environmental Management Act (EMA) permit from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks for its 100‑percent owned Eskay Creek Gold‑Silver Project. The permit, jointly approved with the Tahltan Central Government, marks the final regulatory hurdle and enables the company to move from permitting into commercial construction.
The EMA approval follows the earlier receipt of the B.C. Mines Act permit on January 27 2026, and confirms that the company’s environmental baseline studies and mitigation plans meet provincial standards. With the permit in hand, Skeena is targeting a restart of mining operations in the second quarter of 2027, positioning the project as one of the world’s highest‑grade, lowest‑cost open‑pit gold‑silver mines.
Skeena’s CEO Randy Reichert emphasized the milestone’s significance: “Receiving the final permits is a pivotal moment that validates our long‑term plan for Eskay Creek. The collaboration with the Tahltan Nation and provincial regulators demonstrates our commitment to responsible development and sets the stage for construction and long‑term value creation.” The project’s funding package, secured in June 2024, totals $750 million (C$1.02 billion) from Orion Resource Partners, ensuring the company is fully funded for construction.
The Eskay Creek site, previously an underground mine that operated from 1994 to 2008, is being redeveloped as an open‑pit operation. The EMA permit also confirms that the project complies with the Section 7 agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, reinforcing its social license to operate.
The Ministry’s approval, coupled with the Mines Act permit and Environmental Assessment Certificate, positions Skeena to advance the project’s construction plan. Analysts note that the permit de‑risks the project, removes a key regulatory barrier, and brings the company closer to revenue generation, a critical milestone for a development‑stage mining operator.
The Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, welcomed the achievement: “This milestone supports jobs, strengthens local economies, and aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship. We look forward to the positive contributions Eskay Creek will bring to British Columbia’s mining sector.” The market has responded positively to the news, reflecting confidence in the project’s viability and the company’s execution.
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