Seabridge Gold's KSM tunnel plans challenged by Tudor

Executive Summary

• Tudor Gold Corp. has filed a civil claim in the BC Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the conditional mineral reserve that permits Seabridge’s Mitchell Treaty tunnels (MTT) on its KSM project.
• The claim alleges the reserve amounts to expropriation of Tudor’s mineral claims and seeks a declaration of invalidity, or alternatively compensation for alleged expropriation/misrepresentation.
• Seabridge CEO Rudi Fronk asserts confidence that provincial approvals are lawful and states the company will continue advancing the KSM project despite the litigation.

Key Details

• Plaintiff: Tudor Gold Corp.
• Defendant: Province of British Columbia (in its capacity to grant tunnel authorizations).
• Legal Basis: Challenge to the conditional mineral reserve that restricts Tudor from obstructing or interfering with Seabridge’s Mitchell Treaty tunnels (MTT).
• Relief Sought:
• Primary – Court declaration that the reserve does not apply to Tudor’s claims.
• Alternative – Declaration that the reserve and related authorizations exceed provincial authority, plus compensation for expropriation or damages for misrepresentation.
• Background:
• The MTT consist of two parallel 23‑km tunnels connecting east and west sides of the KSM mine site; ~12.5 km traverse Tudor’s Treaty Creek claims.
• Provincial statements: 2012 – reserve did not apply to existing claim holders; 2014 – amendment stating it does apply.
• Legal History: Separate appeal of a Chief Gold Commissioner decision filed earlier in the year (announced by Seabridge on July 14, 2025).
• Seabridge Position: CEO Rudi Fronk states provincial approvals are “appropriate and reliable” and that successful Tudor claims could impact the KSM project but the company will proceed with its plans.

Notable Quotes

“We are confident that the province has acted within the law and that the various authorizations for the MTT are appropriate and reliable… While this action proceeds, we will continue to advance our current plans for the KSM project for the benefit of our shareholders, local communities and the First Nations who have so strongly supported our progress.” – Rudi Fronk, Chair & CEO, Seabridge Gold Inc.