Hudbay Minerals Breaks Ground on Copper Mountain Expansion

Mining News  |  2026-06-18 05:46:56   |   By

According to rough estimates, the expansion project will contribute more than C$11.5 billion to British Columbia’s GDP, in addition to supporting over 800 direct jobs.

Summary
  • Hudbay has begun construction of the New Ingerbelle expansion, which will extend the Copper Mountain mine’s operating life beyond 2040.
  • The project is expected to produce 750,000 tonnes of copper, 900,000 ounces of gold, and 5.5 million ounces of silver over its lifetime.
  • The expansion could contribute over C$11.5 billion to British Columbia’s GDP and support more than 800 direct jobs.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Hudbay Minerals has officially launched construction of the New Ingerbelle expansion project at its Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia. The project is expected to extend the operation’s mine life beyond 2040 alongside boosting long-term copper production.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by provincial officials, Indigenous leaders, and regional stakeholders, including British Columbia’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, and Chief Charles Allison of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band.

The New Ingerbelle expansion will provide access to higher-grade mineralization and ensure improved operational efficiency through a significantly lower stripping ratio. Based on existing reserves, the project is expected to produce around 750,000 tonnes of copper, 900,000 ounces of gold, and 5.5 million ounces of silver over the mine’s lifetime.

Hudbay noted that the utilization of the existing infrastructure at the Copper Mountain operation, including the mill and mining equipment, will help it to optimize project costs. The project had recently obtained key mining permits from British Columbia’s Major Mines Office, which added it to the province’s list of priority resource projects.

According to rough estimates, the expansion project will contribute more than C$11.5 billion to British Columbia’s GDP, in addition to supporting over 800 direct jobs.

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