Work is now underway at the Highland Valley Copper Mine following formal approval of its life extension, with Teck Resources and the B.C. government confirming Thursday that construction crews are active on-site and the project is fully permitted and funded.

Premier David Eby and Teck CEO Jonathan Price made the announcement during a joint news conference at the mine, marking what Eby called a “crucially important milestone” for the province’s economy — and for the long-term security of resource jobs in the Thompson-Nicola region.

“This expansion will result in 1,500 additional ongoing jobs here in the region,” Eby said. “That’s massive for the families who rely on this mine — and for the local economies that surround it.”

In total, the $2.1 to $2.4 billion expansion will support 2,900 jobs during peak construction and secure copper production at the site through 2046, nearly two decades beyond the previously expected closure in 2028.

Price said engineering work is already 70 percent complete and that contractors have been mobilized. “We sanctioned the project back in July,” he told reporters. “Thanks to a very expeditious permitting process from the province, we’re moving quickly — construction is well underway and will continue into 2028.”

The project includes a significant pushback of the Valley Pit, upgrades to milling and tailings infrastructure, and enhancements to water, power, and haul truck systems. It will maintain current production levels of around 132,000 tonnes of copper per year — a key contribution to North America’s critical minerals supply chain.

But for local leaders and workers, the real impact lies in job certainty. Municipalities like Merritt, Ashcroft, and Logan Lake have faced years of uncertainty as mines across the Interior approach closure dates. The Highland Valley extension, officials said, represents one of the most important signals in years that resource towns can expect long-term economic activity and employment.

“There are so many communities whose future is tied to this mine,” said Eby. “Seeing Teck already hiring and mobilizing just five weeks after the permit approval shows how serious they are about delivering this project quickly.”

The mine, located near Logan Lake, is already the largest open-pit copper mine in Canada. Its extension was approved by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office in late June, and Teck confirmed its board gave the green light shortly after.

With federal and provincial officials now pushing to fast-track similar projects across the province — including in the northwest “critical minerals corridor” — Eby said Highland Valley serves as a model for how resource development, Indigenous partnerships, and environmental stewardship can align.

“This is the future of responsible mining in B.C.,” he said. “It’s good for workers, good for communities, and good for the global energy transition.”

Construction and hiring are expected to scale up rapidly through 2026, with full project completion targeted for 2028.