Why did Hudbay acquire Copper Mountain?
Hudbay saw the unique opportunity to combine complementary assets and leverage our technical expertise to create value for the stakeholders of both Hudbay and Copper Mountain. The transaction created a premier Americas-focused copper mining company with a stronger operating portfolio and growth potential and positions Hudbay as the third largest copper producer in Canada. It also provides a larger-scale platform with three long-life operating mines, development projects, and a significant mineral resource base.
Copper Mountain mine (CMM) is owned and operated by Copper Mountain Mine (BC) Ltd., a subsidiary of Hudbay Minerals Inc. (Hudbay) (75%) and MM Copper Corporation (25%), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (MMC). Hudbay has reached an agreement with MMC to acquire the remaining 25% interest in CMM.
Where is Copper Mountain mine (CMM)?
CMM is situated approximately 20 km south of Princeton, British Columbia, in the Similkameen Valley, within the traditional territory of the sməlqmix people, represented by the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) and Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB).
What type of mining operation is CMM?
CMM is a conventional open pit truck-and-shovel mining operation.
What is mined at CMM?
CMM is an existing open pit copper mine that uses conventional methods such as crushing, grinding, and flotation to recover copper concentrates, complemented by gold and silver by-products.
More information can be found at https://hudbaycoppermountain.com/
What is the current production capacity of the CMM?
CMM’s milling capacity is currently 45,000 tonnes per day, however permitted up to 50,000 tonnes per day. Mill throughput ramp-up is planned for 2025 and 2026 and with a target of 50,000 tonnes by 2027.
What benefits can the community gain from the active presence of Hudbay in the area?
Hudbay’s history of successfully developing and operating mines includes making a positive impact on society through strong community relations and investments to advance sustainable communities. Through jobs, business opportunities, taxes and royalties, community development programs and investments in infrastructure investments, we aim to support and help advance socio-economic development in the regions and communities where we operate. We recognize Indigenous Rights and intend to resolve any issues while maintaining good relations with all of our neighbours.
The current operation at the mine directly employs approximately 715 (increasing to 830 this year) people with an annual payroll of approximately $118 million and supports over a dozen communities in B.C. through the purchase of supplies and services totalling some $617.5 million annually, approximately $159 million of which is spent in the Similkameen Valley and surrounding area.
In the region, Hudbay is a source of current and future employment opportunities, as well as provides local community support including sponsorship of local charities, clubs and community events. Additionally, Hudbay has implemented participation agreements with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, providing financial benefits to the First Nation communities where the Copper Mountain operation is located.
What percentage of the CMM workforce identifies as Indigenous?
13% of the workforce self-identifies as Indigenous, equating to 90 employees, with 27 identifying as members of USIB or LSIB, as of March 31, 2025.
What is the currently approved life of mine for CMM?
The currently approved life of mine for CMM is 2033, with active mining activities concluding a few years prior. The New Ingerbelle project would extend the life of mine for CMM until 2040.
What are Hudbay’s GHG reduction initiatives?
CMM implemented an electric trolley assist haulage system in partnership with the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, BC Hydro, Komatsu, SMS, and ABB. This innovative system is currently the only one of its kind in North America. The CMM trolley assist transports electric haul trucks carrying ore up a one-kilometre ramp, up to 4 trucks at one time, from the pit to the crusher via pantographs and wires powered by hydroelectricity from BC Hydro. This reduces the amount of diesel needed to power the fully loaded trucks up the ramp, displacing approximately 400 L of diesel per operating hour, or about 1 tonne of CO2 emissions.
Other GHG reduction initiatives at CMM include the electrification of shovels and drills and the use of renewable diesel in our mining fleet.
Does CMM participate in the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) program?
As a voluntary member of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), CMM has participated in MAC’s TSM program since 2021, and has achieved an “A” rating or above across all Protocols since joining, with results externally verified in 2021 and 2024.
Mining Association of Canada – Towards Sustainable Mining, Company Performance: Hudbay Minerals Inc.
What job opportunities are available at CMM?
CMM offers positions in heavy-duty mechanics, millwrights, electricians, haul truck drivers, environmental specialists, engineers, administration, and more.
Job opportunities are posted on the Hudbay website, under ‘Careers’.
Is on the job training provided?
Yes, on-the-job training and skill-upgrade opportunities are available for CMM employees.
How can I apply for a job at CMM?
Job opportunities are posted on the Hudbay website, under ‘Careers’.
All local job postings are also shared with the Town of Princeton, USIB and LSIB.
How does Hudbay respectfully engage with Indigenous Rights Holders and community stakeholders?
Hudbay is dedicated to engaging meaningfully with the local community and Indigenous governments to provide information, understand concerns and work together to protect the environment and support a sustainable operation. Additionally, local communities, First Nations, the town of Princeton, the village of Keremeos, and the Regional District of Okanagan–Similkameen actively participate in major permit authorizations and amendment reviews. Our commitment is to maintain transparency, foster trust and create a long term partnership with Indigenous groups to manage the land we work on.
Although we recognize that there is still more work to be done, one of the examples of the work we are doing in BC is the appointment of an on-site General Manager for First Nations, Community and Government Relations. This critical role provides leadership and facilitates the development of positive relationships with the Indigenous Rights Holders and key stakeholders, ensuring that the concerns and needs are heard and addressed effectively.
Where can I find information regarding upcoming community events?
For more information on upcoming events, follow us on Facebook or send us a message on our ‘Contact’ page.
What is the New Ingerbelle project?
The New Ingerbelle project is the reactivation of mining in the existing, historical Ingerbelle pit. It involves a three phase push-back of the existing pit, expansion of the existing tailings management facility (TMF), construction of a new bridge over the Similkameen River, and utilization of new and existing non-economic waste rock storage areas.
What is the history of Ingerbelle in relation to Copper Mountain?
The Ingerbelle pit is an existing historical open pit that is a contiguous component of the existing mine. Open pit mining at CMM commenced with mining of the Ingerbelle pit from 1972 to 1980 before the subsequent development of the Copper Mountain open pits. Additional open pit mining was conducted in the Ingerbelle pit from 1995 to 1996 prior to the mine being shut down due to adverse market conditions at that time. Therefore, the New Ingerbelle project is not a “new project” or “new mine”, it is an expansion project of an existing mine.
What is the projected life of mine for CMM with the New Ingerbelle project?
If approved, the New Ingerbelle project will extend the life of mine for CMM by 13 years to 2040.
Will the New Ingerbelle project increase production or require a mill expansion?
No, the New Ingerbelle project will not increase current approved production and does not require a mill expansion.
How much new disturbance is associated with the New Ingerbelle project?
The total new disturbance associated with the New Ingerbelle project is 352 ha (of which 14% is outside of the current permitted mine area).
How does CMM plan to manage the New Ingerbelle pit proximity to the Similkameen River?
The New Ingerbelle pit will be located adjacent to the Similkameen River, with a pit bottom elevation below the river elevation. The Similkameen River is vital to USIB and LSIB and the local communities. Hudbay takes our responsibility to protect the water and the lands on which we operate very seriously.
Numerous testing and long term monitoring completed to date in the rock mass between the Similkameen River and the proposed east wall of the New Ingerbelle pit show a competent rock mass, which provides a hydraulic barrier. Robust mitigations are proposed to maintain the integrity of the rock mass, river flow, and water quality during construction, operation and closure of the New Ingerbelle pit. The New Ingerbelle pit will be mined in phases (Phase 1A/B, 2, and 3), with Phase 1A bringing the pit bottom one bench below the river elevation. This checkpoint is to confirm the performance of the proactive mitigations, and inform adaptive management actions, if needed, before continuing to mine the subsequent Phase 1B, 2 and 3.
What is the regulatory process for the New Ingerbelle project?
The regulatory process for the New Ingerbelle project consists of a joint permit amendment application (joint application) of CMM’s existing Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits, as well as other ancillary permits. The New Ingerbelle project is currently proceeding through the Coordinated Authorizations Process of the Major Mines Office (MMO) which is a defined process that brings together multiple ministries, Indigenous nations, other governments and reviewers through the creation of a Mine Review Committee (MRC). The Coordinated Authorizations Process provides for the direct involvement and input of the Indigenous nations through consultation and engagement by both Hudbay and MMO. The Coordinated Authorizations Process enables Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) and Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) to be informed of, and to provide direct input.
What is the current status of the New Ingerbelle project permitting process?
The New Ingerbelle project is currently in the Review phase of MMO’s Coordinated Authorizations Process. Hudbay submitted a revised application on March 31, 2025 and the joint application was formally referred to the Mine Review Committee and First Nations on May 12, 2025. The Public consultation period ran concurrently from June to August 2025.
What is included in the Review phase?
The Review phase of MMO’s Coordinated Authorizations Process entails a comprehensive assessment of the project’s environmental, cultural, social, and economic impacts, with input from the Mine Review Committee, USIB, LSIB, and an independent third party review. The Mine Review Committee includes reviewers and members from various ministries, communities of interest and First Nations. Members of the MRC are able to provide comments, ask questions and seek clarity during the Review process through information requests. Hudbay’s technical team provides responses. Once the review phase is finished the application can move into the Decision phase of MMO’s Coordinated Authorizations Process.
How are USIB and LSIB involved in the permit amendment process?
The New Ingerbelle project lies within the traditional territory of the sməlqmix people, as represented by the USIB and LSIB. Recognizing that the Similkameen Valley and surrounding area are of significant cultural importance to USIB and LSIB, Copper Mountain began early engagement on the proposed New Ingerbelle project in 2018. This included working with the USIB and LSIB to develop and initiate an Early Engagement Plan, which called for prior input and involvement by the USIB and LSIB into environmental baseline studies, input of traditional knowledge into design considerations and review of basic engineering concepts.
CMM formally entered into the Pre-Application phase of the Major Mines Office’s (MMO) Coordinated Authorizations Process on July 9, 2019, through the submission of the Project Description and draft Joint Information Requirements Table (JIRT). Copper Mountain worked closely with MMO, USIB, and LSIB to finalise the JIRT in November 2023, which identified the requirements for the joint application. The New Ingerbelle joint permit amendment application was submitted for screening and entered into the application Screening phase on January 19, 2024.
Engagement with USIB and LSIB has continued throughout the New Ingerbelle project and will continue through the next stages of permitting. USIB and LSIB have been actively engaged throughout the process, providing feedback and Indigenous Knowledge on various environmental and cultural initiatives. USIB and LSIB have also directly contributed to technical assessments, including but not limited to:
- Archaeology;
- Fish and aquatics;
- Surface water quality;
- Groundwater and hydrogeology;
- Wildlife and vegetation;
- Human health and ecological risk;
- Cumulative effects; and
- End land use planning.
Hudbay is committed to ongoing engagement with USIB and LSIB regarding development plans, as set out in the respective Participation Agreements and the New Ingerbelle Early Engagement Plan.
How does Hudbay recognize the right of First Nations to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of projects on their traditional territories?
Copper Mountain mine has participation agreements in place with the USIB and LSIB that set forth our commitment to engage with and consult each of the bands in connection with our mining activities. In alignment with these agreements and the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), we are dedicated to ensuring that all decisions related to our mining activities are made transparently and collaboratively, respecting the rights and voices of Indigenous Peoples.
Our commitment to FPIC reflects our dedication to upholding the principles of self-determination, mutual respect, and collaboration.
In addition, our Communities of Interest (COIs) Identification and Engagement Policy defines the procedure for identifying and engaging communities of interest for consultation and addressing issues and/or questions brought forward by the communities of interest. This policy underscores our commitment to meaningful dialogue and fostering mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.
What are the implications if the New Ingerbelle project is not approved?
The New Ingerbelle project is a continuation of open pit mining operations in a historical pit, at an operating mine site, with most of the development work occurring within areas of previous disturbance. The project is seen as a low-risk, low-capital expenditure project with notable economic and social benefits. If not approved, CMM would begin closure activities at the end of the current life of mine, the local workforce would reduce significantly, and economic and social benefits would cease resulting in a major impact on the town of Princeton and many other BC communities that provide services to the mine.
What are the reclamation and closure plans after mining activities conclude?
Hudbay is committed to biodiversity conservation and reclamation. We build reclamation plans into all mine designs and aim to reclaim as much area as possible before mining operations cease. Areas disturbed by mining will be reclaimed to average pre-mining capability and conditions in alignment with end land use planning objectives, with specific attention to wildlife habitat and winter ungulate range.
Reclamation, end land use planning, and closure planning is ongoing and conducted in collaboration with USIB and LSIB. The operation’s progressive reclamation process, initiated in 2018 with small-scale trials, includes an objective to conduct progressive reclamation on 25 hectares annually over 10 years.
What is the community-based End Land Use Plan?
Engagement for the community-based End Land Use Plan work began in early 2022 alongside Elders and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Keepers to understand pre-mining conditions and criteria to restore cultural and ecological land use. Workshops captured important information regarding sməlqmix ecological cultural values, including culturally important plants, wildlife, and seasonality and input into methods for any proposed work.
In March 2024, USIB and LSIB completed the community-based End Land Use Plan, based on research conducted by USIB and LSIB. The community End Land Use Plan will support and inform future work related to reclamation, including the reclamation and closure plan at Copper Mountain mine.
What type of environmental monitoring is performed at CMM?
At CMM, environmental monitoring involves regularly collecting and analyzing data to assess the mine’s impact on surrounding ecosystems, water, air, and land. Environmental monitoring of water quality (surface and groundwater), water quantity (surface and groundwater), fish and aquatics, air quality (dust and emissions), meteorology and climate, wildlife and wildlife habitat, tailings and waste management, geochemistry, and soil and vegetation is conducted with data reported to regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
Environmental monitoring data is used to inform environmental management plans and mitigations through the site’s adaptive management process. Copper Mountain collaborates with USIB and LSIB to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into monitoring programs, studies, and assessments and benefits from the participation of USIB and LSIB in many of the monitoring programs. Results are shared publicly through annual reports available online and through various engagement activities with local communities.
CMM annual reports for Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits are available through the BC Mine Information website.
How is water quality monitored at CMM?
Water quality monitoring at CMM is designed to assess and manage the health of aquatic ecosystems. CMM collects over 1,400 water quality samples annually in surface water and groundwater around the site, with a focus in monitoring the receiving environment. Select key downstream monitoring locations and compliance locations are sampled weekly, while other monitoring locations are monitored at a monthly or quarterly frequency. Given the long operational history of CMM, the water quality monitoring records span multiple decades and have captured seasonal and multi-year variations to better, which helps inform water management and mitigations.
What water quality guidelines is CMM required to meet for the Similkameen River and Wolfe Creek downstream of CMM?
CMM operates under strict guidelines of its Mines Act permit, Environmental Management Act permit, and the Metals and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulation, which include requirements for an extensive environmental monitoring program that includes surface water quality monitoring of mine site and receiving environment waters, as well as groundwater quality, sediment testing, benthic invertebrate and periphyton community composition and aquatic life health. Water quality in receiving environments downstream of the mine is good, and generally below applicable BC water quality guidelines and our permit limits. No significant adverse environmental effects associated with mining activity have been identified either in the Similkameen River or in Wolfe Creek downstream of the CMM property.
How are Indigenous perspectives incorporated into water management at CMM?
CMM actively consults with USIB and LSIB to integrate their Indigenous Knowledge into water quality and quantity management strategies. USIB and LSIB members, hired as Environmental Technicians (although the two positions are vacant right now), play a hands-on role in environmental fieldwork and water quality monitoring.
Copper Mountain regularly shares water quality information with USIB and LSIB. In addition, water quality information, permit exceedances and monitoring result updates are provided through quarterly Joint Implementation Committee updates to the Chief and Council.
In alignment with its goals of transparency and collaborative engagement, CMM invited USIB- and LSIB-nominated QPs to participate in CMM’s Independent Water Review Board meetings where water quality results and mitigations are discussed.
What type of environmental monitoring is done in the Similkameen River and Wolfe Creek?
Monitoring on mine sites and receiving environments helps observe changes in the environment, enabling prompt adaptive management responses to any emerging issues. Some of the key environmental monitoring completed in the Similkameen River and Wolfe Creek include:
- Water quality at discrete receptor locations;
- Surface water flows and levels;
- Benthic invertebrates and fish surveys;
- Fish habitat and stream surveys;
- Groundwater quality and levels; and
- Dust and air quality.
How does Hudbay ensure the protection of water systems like the Similkameen River and Wolfe Creek?
Hudbay’s team of qualified environmental staff monitor over 100 water quality sample locations in the Similkameen and Wolfe Creek watersheds, with over 1,400 water quality samples collected annually. Modern mining technology and best practices are utilized to minimize environmental impact, alongside robust environmental monitoring and adaptive management strategies.
Regulatory reviews, permit amendment processes and independent third party reviews, such as CMM’s Independent Water Review Board and Independent Tailings Review Board, ensure proactive regulatory compliance and protection of water systems.
What are tailings?
Tailings are a by-product of processing ore. Tailings are composed of finely ground rock, with a sand-like consistency, created after minerals of interest have been removed during the milling process.
What is a tailings storage facility and its importance?
A tailings storage facility is where all of the fine sand and water from the milling process are stored and managed after the ore material is processed.
A tailings storage facility is designed to safely manage and store tailings. The CMM tailings management facility (TMF) is located in a natural bedrock valley, and incorporates two tailings dams located at the east and west ends of the valley to safely contain tailings.
What is the history of the tailings management facility at CMM?
Originally built in 1972, the CMM tailings management facility supported operations at both Ingerbelle and Copper Mountain. After a care and maintenance period from 1996 to 2010, it was reactivated in 2011 for current operations, following successful reclamation efforts.
How does Hudbay approach tailings management at CMM?
The health and safety of our team and surrounding communities is a top priority, and we are confident in our ability to maintain the structural integrity of our tailings management facility to ensure safe operations.
CMM has a rigorous tailings management facility built and operated in alignment with industry best practices and governance. Regular independent reviews and assessments by qualified professionals provide expert assurance regarding the safety and sustainability of our tailings management practices. Additionally, CMM has an Independent Tailings Review Board, as required by the Province of BC, which meets semi-annually with the Engineer of Record (EoR) and site management to review design and performance. Our tailings operations achieved a “AA” rating under the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) protocols, which requires a robust third-party verified audit.
At CMM, the ore body is a low sulfidation, carbonate-hosted copper deposit, resulting in non-acidic mine tailings. Stored in a natural valley, these tailings are further constrained by sand dams on each end of the valley. The dams, built using a rigorous modified centreline construction method with coarse, free-draining sand, contain a small volume of water that is recycled for mineral processing. The technical design of this tailings management facility ensures geotechnical stability and safe operation.
Hudbay has put in place a Tailings Governance Charter to strengthen our internal governance processes related to tailings management, to ensure the appropriate processes are in place and that all of our tailings facilities are constructed and operated in a manner that protects public health and safety. The charter defines roles and responsibilities and how information flows from operating sites, through the corporate office and to the Board. Our Tailings Management System includes two layers for supporting responsible tailings management, the site-level Tailings Management System maintained by the personnel responsible for day-to-day activities, including planning, monitoring, risk identification and reporting and the Corporate Tailings Governance System that details corporate and Board responsibilities to ensure tailings are adequately managed.
What makes CMM’s tailings management facility design safe?
The CMM tailings management facility is in a bedrock valley, the former Smelter Lake valley, and confined by bedrock to the north and south. The tailings management facility consists of an east dam and a west dam which are constructed using a centerline dam construction method with embankments that requires placing of tailings onto a tailings beach. The beach, or beach slope, refers to the surface slope/area where tailings settle after deposition. This can also be referred to as the slope or embankment of the dam/tailings pond. When raising is required, coarser sand material is placed on both the dams, and finer sand material is deposited in the tailings pond and existing embankment. As a result, the embankment crest rises vertically from the centreline. The centreline construction reduces the requirement for embankment fill and increases the overall stability of the embankment.
The drainage and dry climate create a negative water balance so only enough water is stored to run the mill operations. The dams are pervious and have no clay core, in order to promote drainage. Site investigations and continuous monitoring indicate that dams are well drained and the fills will not liquify under the design earthquake loading conditions.
How is CMM’s tailings management facility monitored and maintained for safety?
Regular geotechnical and environmental monitoring is conducted to ensure stability and compliance with regulatory standards, including adherence to Canadian Dam Association guidelines. An external tailings qualified person (Engineer of Record) regularly reviews all monitoring data and performs regular Dam Safety Inspections. The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals also conducts regular compliance inspections.
Additionally, the Independent Tailings Review Board meets twice a year (since 2015) to review the TMF compliance objectives. An independent third-party Dam Safety Review is also completed every 5-years.
How does Indigenous Knowledge contribute to tailings management?
Copper Mountain consults with USIB and LSIB to incorporate their knowledge and perspectives into tailings management and environmental stewardship efforts. The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals also invites USIB and LSIB participants during regular compliance inspections.
Additionally, in alignment with its goals of transparency and collaborative engagement, Copper Mountain invited USIB- and LSIB-nominated QPs to participate in the CMM Independent Tailings Review Board ensuring Indigenous Knowledge is included alongside technical expertise to support comprehensive environmental decision making.
How much tailings capacity does the CMM tailings management facility have left?
In order to accommodate the continued generation of tailings, the New Ingerbelle project requires additional tailings storage. The existing tailings management facility is proposed to be raised by approximately 60 meters, to safely store an additional 209 million tonnes of tailings, ensuring continued compliance with regulations and safety standards.
How were alternative tailings storage options considered for the New Ingerbelle project?
Through engagement with USIB and LSIB, as well as other stakeholders, discussions about CMM’s TMF expansion and development focused on minimizing disturbance to the environment, considering key values of interest such as water, land, and air.
What types of habitats are found at CMM?
The area features a mix of forested, wetland, and riparian habitats, with a diverse range of wildlife species, including but not limited to ungulates, bears, bats, reptiles and various bird species.
How is wildlife protected at CMM?
Potential impacts on wildlife and their habitats are evaluated, with mitigation measures integrated into mine design and planning, to minimize disruptions during mining activities. End land use planning also looks to reestablish wildlife use of the mine site once operations have ceased. The reclamation and closure plans provide detailed actions to achieve those outcomes.
What strategies are in place for wildlife monitoring and management?
CMM implements a comprehensive wildlife monitoring program, including habitat assessments, wildlife population studies, and collaboration with Indigenous communities to align conservation efforts.