British Columbia clears Red Chris Mine’s shift to blockcaving after 2025 worker-trapping incident

The British Columbia government has approved an amended environmental assessment certificate allowing blockcaving at the Red Chris copper and gold mine, shifting the operation toward underground mining. The approval carries 27 binding conditions, including ongoing monitoring of water and air quality and ground stability. The change follows a July 2025 incident in which three workers were trapped more than 500 metres underground during exploratory drilling for the transition but were rescued more than two days later. The Canadian Press reported the decision was based on a review by the Environmental Assessment Office and consent from the Tahltan Central Government.