B.C. and Simpcw First Nation sign a landmark consent agreement for the Yellowhead Copper project, shaping future mining decisions near Kamloops.
B.C., Simpcw Forge Landmark Copper Mine Consent Deal
A major step has been taken for mining projects in British Columbia. The provincial government and Simpcw First Nation have reached a new agreement that gives the First Nation a direct role in deciding the future of a proposed copper mine near Kamloops.
The agreement sets out how the Yellowhead Copper project will move through the environmental assessment process. Most importantly, the project cannot move ahead without Simpcw First Nation’s consent.
New Agreement Puts Shared Decision-Making First
The agreement brings together British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office and Simpcw First Nation to carry out a co-ordinated environmental review of the proposed open-pit mine.
At the same time, the province confirmed that two approvals will be needed before the project can proceed. Simpcw First Nation must provide its consent, and the province must issue an environmental assessment certificate.
In addition, the agreement could serve as a model for future mining proposals within Simpcw territory.
Yellowhead Copper Project Near Kamloops
Trekor Metals Limited has proposed the Yellowhead Copper project about 150 kilometres northeast of Kamloops.
The project first entered Simpcw’s environmental assessment process in May 2024. Later, in July 2025, it also entered British Columbia’s provincial review process.
As both assessments continue, the new agreement aims to keep the two reviews aligned while respecting Indigenous governance and provincial requirements.
Project Could Deliver Major Economic Benefits
According to the provincial government, the Yellowhead Copper project could provide a significant boost to British Columbia’s economy.
Officials estimate the mine could add more than $900 million each year to the province’s gross domestic product during its expected 25-year operating life.
The proposal could also create around 525 permanent direct jobs while attracting approximately $2 billion in capital investment.
Simpcw Says Agreement Marks Historic Milestone
Simpcw Chief George Lampreau described the agreement as an important achievement for the First Nation.
He said it marks the first time Simpcw has used its own consent process for a major development project. He also noted that the process was shaped through close work with community members.
Lampreau added that the agreement strengthens Simpcw’s ability to make decisions about projects in its traditional territory while building stronger relationships with both the provincial government and project developers.
He also emphasized that the agreement reaches beyond a single mine. Instead, it creates a framework for how future mining proposals will be considered, while respecting Simpcw governance, community values, and responsibilities to future generations.
