B.C., Simpcw First Nation sign consent deal for proposed copper mine near Kamloops

A B.C. provincial flag hangs in front of the legislature building in Victoria, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Chad Hipolito / The Canadian Press)

British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office has signed an agreement with the Simpcw First Nation on how a proposed open-pit copper mine will be assessed, including the requirement for the nation’s consent for the project to proceed.

The consent agreement covers the Yellowhead Copper project proposed by Trekor Metals Limited about 150 kilometres northeast of Kamloops as well as possible future mining projects in Simpcw territory.

A statement from the province says the agreement allows co-ordinated environmental assessments by the office and Simpcw, while recognizing that the First Nation’s consent and a provincial environmental assessment certificate are required for the mine to go ahead.

The Yellowhead project entered the Simpcw’s assessment process in May 2024 and B.C.’s environmental assessment process began in July 2025.

The provincial government has said that the proposed Yellowhead mine would contribute more than $900 million annually to B.C.’s GDP over its 25-year mine life, create 525 permanent direct jobs and represent a capital investment of $2 billion.

Simpcw Chief George Lampreau says in the statement that the agreement marks the first time Simpcw has applied its consent process to a major project and that the nation worked closely with the community in its development.

“This agreement advances the exercise of Simpcw’s governance and decision-making responsibilities, while strengthening our relationships with the province and project proponents,” he said.

“This agreement is not just about one project — it is about establishing how decisions on new mining projects will be made in our territory going forward, in a way that respects Simpcw’s governance, our people and our responsibilities to future generations.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2026