B.C. Fast-Tracks Red Chris Mine Expansion Amid Trapped Miners

The Red Chris mine, located in northern B.C., is undergoing a transition to block-cave mining to extend its lifespan. The mine, owned by Newmont, was opened in 2015 and has been controversial due to environmental concerns. The mine is currently experiencing a change in operations, with the co-operation of the Tahltan Nation, and is being fast-tracked by the provincial government.

The Red Chris mine, located in northern British Columbia, is undergoing a significant transition from open-pit to block-cave mining. This change is aimed at extending the mine's lifespan and is being fast-tracked by the provincial government in response to recent geopolitical tensions.

The Red Chris mine, owned by Newmont, was opened in 2015 and has been controversial due to environmental concerns. The mine is located approximately 130 kilometres from the B.C.-Alaska border and spans over 230 square kilometres [1]. The mine's operations have been co-operated with the Tahltan Nation, whose lands the mine sits on.

The transition to block-cave mining is expected to extend the mine's lifespan by 13 years, beyond its forecasted end of life in 2027. Block-cave mining involves collapsing the rocks from above into tunnels below, allowing for the extraction of ore that is too deep for open-pit mining [1]. This method is estimated to increase the mine's production capacity and longevity.

The B.C. government has identified the Red Chris mine's expansion as a priority project, aiming to expedite the approval process. This fast-tracking is in response to U.S. tariffs and is intended to reduce the province's reliance on the United States [2]. The government's fast-tracking initiative includes the Red Chris mine under Bill 15, a controversial law designed to override regulations due to the tariff war.

However, the expansion of the Red Chris mine is not yet approved. The project requires changes to the mine's environmental assessment certificate and other permits, which are the kinds of steps the fast-track legislation is intended to expedite [2]. The current operations at the mine are under their existing permit, and an expansion has not been officially approved.

The transition to block-cave mining has been delayed by a recent incident where three miners are trapped underground. The collapse occurred in a section of the mine being excavated for block cave mining [2]. The rescue operation is currently underway, and the miners are reportedly uninjured and in a designated refuge area with food, water, and ventilation [3].

The Red Chris mine's transition to block-cave mining is a significant development in the mining industry. It is a strategic move to extend the mine's lifespan and production capacity, while also addressing environmental concerns and geopolitical tensions. The fast-tracked expansion is a response to recent geopolitical challenges, but it remains to be seen how the project will proceed and what impact it will have on the local community and the environment.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/red-chris-mine-where-expansion-fast-track-1.7592693
[2] https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/23/news/red-chris-mine-workers-trapped-fast-track-list
[3] https://www.reuters.com/en/three-people-trapped-underground-red-chris-mine-canada-newmont-says-2025-07-23/