Hudbay Minerals has received essential permit amendments for the expansion of its New Ingerbelle project at the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

These amendments, obtained through the BC Major Mines Office’s coordinated authorisation process, adjust the Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits.

The expansion aims to increase copper and gold production at Copper Mountain, extend the mine's operational life, and safeguard more than 800 jobs. The development is expected to provide ongoing economic advantages locally, regionally and federally.

During the permitting stages, Hudbay worked with the local communities, the Major Mines Office, the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band to ensure transparency.

Hudbay has also updated participation agreements with both indigenous groups, further strengthening its commitment to collaboration and responsible mining practices.

Hudbay Minerals president and CEO Peter Kukielski said: “The New Ingerbelle permit ensures that we will be able to advance this major project while extending our partnership with local communities to facilitate additional growth investments at Copper Mountain and further adds to our 99 years of successful operations in Canada.

“Our efforts to optimise Copper Mountain, combined with the development of New Ingerbelle, will unlock significant long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

The New Ingerbelle expansion is structured to access higher-grade gold mineralisation and enhance operational efficiency with a reduced stripping ratio compared to existing mining areas.

The life of the mine is projected to yield 750,000t of copper, 900,000oz of gold and 5.5 million ounces of silver, based on current reserves.

This project is expected to generate more than C$11.5bn ($8.4bn) in provincial gross domestic product. Ensuring the mine’s sustainability, the expansion aims to secure long-term employment and economic stability for the region.