Skeena obtains EA approvals for Eskay Creek

Executive Summary

• Skeena Resources Ltd. has received its Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) and Federal Impact Assessment approval for its 100%-owned Eskay Creek gold-silver project in northwestern British Columbia, Canada.
• The approval concludes a rigorous environmental assessment process initiated in August 2024, marking a major milestone for the project and setting a precedent as the first company in Canadian history to receive such approval through a Section 7 agreement with the Tahltan central government.
• The EAC was jointly issued by the B.C. Ministers of Mining & Critical Minerals and Environment & Parks, and approved by the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, embedding the Tahltan Nation's consent within the certificate.

Key Details

• Project: Eskay Creek gold-silver project, located in the Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia, Canada.
• Ownership: 100% owned by Skeena Resources Ltd.
• Approvals Received:
  • Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) issued by the B.C. Minister of Mining & Critical Minerals and the B.C. Minister of Environment & Parks.
  • Federal Impact Assessment approved under the Federal Impact Assessment Act by Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
  • Jointly approved by the Tahltan central government.
• Historical Significance: This marks the first time in Canadian history a company has received an EAC through a Section 7 agreement signed in 2022 between the government of British Columbia and the Tahltan central government.
• Engagement Metrics:
  • More than 60 engagement sessions held within local communities.
  • Over 500 meetings conducted with the Tahltan central government.
  • Engagement with multiple indigenous groups including the Nisga'a Lisims government, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation, the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission, and other constituent Alaska tribes.
  • More than 4,000 written comments from community members received and individually addressed.
• Project Characteristics: Described as one of the highest-grade and lowest-cost open-pit precious metals mines in the world, with substantial silver byproduct production surpassing many primary silver mines.

Notable Quotes

• Randy Reichert, CEO: "This is a defining moment in our company's history... The issuance of the EAC reflects this collaboration and reinforces Eskay Creek's position as setting the standard for responsible, world-class development in British Columbia."
• Nalaine Morin, SVP of Environment and Social Affairs: "Receiving our EA certificate as the first company in Canadian history through the Section 7 agreement, demonstrates what is possible when indigenous rights and responsible resource development are advanced together."
• Honourable Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals: "This kind of collaboration is critical to advance important projects like Eskay Creek, which will benefit the entire province while protecting the environment and continuing on our path to reconciliation."