Sign in Subscribe
Mining industry

Public Feedback Invited for Proposed Copper Mine in Vavenby, British Columbia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A proposed open-pit copper mine near the community of Vavenby, 150 kilometers northeast of Kamloops, has sparked public feedback discussions. The Yellowhead Mining Inc., a subsidiary of Taseko Mines Ltd., is behind the project, which aims to produce 90,000 tons of ore per day over a 25-year mine life. The company will be responsible for the mine's reclamation and has proposed a 110-kilometer transmission line to supply power during operations. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) are working together to review the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The comment period for the proposed mine lasts until September 15 at 11:59 a.m., with interested parties encouraged to review the Initial Project Description and submit feedback.
  • The mine is designed to produce 90,000 tons of ore per day over a 25-year mine life, with Taseko responsible for the mine's reclamation.
  • A 110-kilometer transmission line is being proposed to supply power during operations and eventually interconnect with the existing BC Hydro substation at 100 Mile House.
  • The IAAC and EAO are working cooperatively on the initial phase of the project's review, with public comments informing the joint summary of issues and engagement documents.
  • Virtual and in-person information sessions are available for participants who wish to provide input in a different format.
  • The project site is located within the Thompson Nicola Regional District, Secwepemcúl Ì"ecw, and primarily within Simpcwúl Ì"ecw, the territory of Simpcw.
  • The Government of British Columbia has requested that the federal impact assessment be substituted to the province, with the EAO conducting the project's impact assessment on behalf of IAAC.

Statistics:

  • The proposed mine life is 25 years, with a production capacity of 90,000 tons of ore per day.
  • The 110-kilometer transmission line will supply power during operations and eventually interconnect with the existing BC Hydro substation at 100 Mile House.
  • The initial phase of the project's review is being conducted cooperatively by the IAAC and EAO.
  • The comment period lasts until September 15 at 11:59 a.m.
  • The information session on September 4 will be a virtual session, while the in-person session will be held on September 10.

Sources:

  • The Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 89694)
  • canada.ca/ciar (reference number 89694)
  • engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/Yellowhead-EE (Virtual information session registration)
  • engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/Yellowhead-EE (French virtual information session registration)
  • Dutch Lake Community Centre Gym (In-person open house location)
  • Yellowhead@iaac-aeic.gc.ca (Email for comments in a different format)
  • Taseko Mines Ltd. (Parent company of Yellowhead Mining Inc.)
  • Government of British Columbia (Request for substitution of federal impact assessment to the province)
  • Clearwater Times (Copyright 2025)

Read more