Substantially Started Designation Review on Seabridge Gold's KSM Project Being Progressed by BC's EAO Office
Seabridge advances KSM permitting after concluding TSKLH consultation and securing infrastructure for the project.
The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has confirmed the timeline for the reconsideration of the Substantially Started Designation (SSD) for the KSM Project. This process was initiated following a BC Supreme Court ruling on June 8, 2026, which mandated a 90-day consultation period with the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha (TSKLH) group. The consultation period is scheduled to conclude on September 28, 2026.
Subsequent steps involve the EAO allowing Seabridge Gold Inc. to respond to TSKLH submissions, drafting a report, and making a recommendation to the decision-maker for a final determination. Chair and CEO Rudi Fronk expressed appreciation for the EAO's "measured and thoughtful response" and thanked the Nisga'a and Tahltan Nations for their continued support.
Seabridge Gold Inc. (SEA) has reached a procedural milestone in a court-mandated legal process that has been publicly tracked since June 2026. This development confirms that the regulatory timeline remains on track and removes ambiguity regarding the Environmental Assessment Office’s (EAO) consultation phase.
The market was already aware of the 90-day consultation window following the June court ruling, making this update incremental and expected. The tone is constructive, signaling that the provincial regulator is adhering to the court's directive without undue delay, which is positive for long-term permitting certainty but carries no immediate price impact.
Seabridge Gold Inc. (SEA) owns the KSM Project, a major undeveloped copper and gold asset located in northwestern British Columbia. The company holds a resource base comprising 47.3 moz Au and 7.3 B lbs Cu in Proven & Probable Reserves, alongside 95.5 moz Au and 21.1 B lbs Cu in Measured & Indicated Resources.
Development progress includes a Preliminary Feasibility Study completed in 2022 and secured environmental approvals. In July 2024, the project achieved "Substantially Started" designation, locking in permits for the life of the project. To date, over $1.2 billion has been invested in roads, bridges, camps, and power infrastructure. The Treaty Creek Terminal was successfully energized in August 2026, securing low-cost hydroelectric power.
Regarding other assets, Seabridge Gold announced a maiden inferred resource for the Bronson Corridor (Iskut Project) in April 2026. The Courageous Lake project was spun out to Valor Gold Corp in June 2026. The 3 Aces and Snowstorm projects remain in exploration stages.