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Hudbay has officially broken ground on the New Ingerbelle expansion at its Copper Mountain operation in British Columbia, advancing a key growth project that is expected to extend mine life beyond 2040, increase copper production and reinforce the region’s position as a strategic source of critical minerals.
New Ingerbelle Marks Major Milestone for Copper Mountain
Hudbay Minerals has celebrated the groundbreaking of the New Ingerbelle expansion project at its Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia, marking a significant step forward in the company’s long-term copper growth strategy.
The expansion is expected to extend the life of the Copper Mountain operation well into the 2040s, while enhancing its copper and gold production profile and securing more than 800 full-time jobs. The project recently received key provincial permits and has been recognised by the Government of British Columbia as a priority resource development project.
“New Ingerbelle is not just an expansion, it is a critical pillar of Hudbay’s long-term growth strategy in British Columbia,” said Peter Kukielski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hudbay. “The opening of New Ingerbelle enhances the copper and gold production profile at Copper Mountain, secures more than 800 full-time jobs beyond 2040 and ensures the mine continues to deliver economic benefits at the local, regional and federal levels.”
Supporting Canada’s Critical Minerals Growth
The project is expected to play an important role in strengthening Canada’s supply of copper, a critical mineral essential for electrification, renewable energy infrastructure and modern industrial technologies.
Based on current mineral reserves, New Ingerbelle is projected to produce approximately 750,000 tonnes of copper, alongside 900,000 ounces of gold and 5.5 million ounces of silver over its life. The deposit also offers operational advantages, including access to higher-grade mineralisation and a significantly lower stripping ratio than current mining areas.
Federal and provincial leaders highlighted the project’s importance to Canada’s resource sector and economic development ambitions.
“Hudbay’s groundbreaking is more than a start of a new mine expansion. It’s a signal of confidence in Canada’s resource sector, in Canadian workers, and in our ability to build big things,” said Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson.
Infrastructure Development and Community Partnerships
With major permits now in place, Hudbay has begun advancing key infrastructure required to support the expansion, including a new access road, a bridge across the Similkameen River and an east haul road connecting New Ingerbelle to existing operations.
The company also recently renewed participation agreements with both the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and Lower Similkameen Indian Band following extensive consultation during the permitting process.
Chief Charles Allison of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental stewardship.
“Our people have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. As this project moves forward, our priority is ensuring the protection of the Similkameen River and surrounding ecosystems.”
Long-Term Economic Impact
Hudbay estimates the New Ingerbelle expansion will generate more than C$11.5 billion in provincial GDP while supporting regional contractors, suppliers and local businesses throughout the mine’s operating life. The project is also expected to generate more than C$2.2 billion in labour income while preserving hundreds of direct mining jobs.
Alongside construction activities, Hudbay has launched a targeted drilling programme aimed at converting additional inferred resources into reserves, supporting future mine-life extensions and further optimisation opportunities at Copper Mountain.
This article was produced by the editorial team at Mining Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
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