The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) has engaged with SkeenaWild to discuss its recent report, Key Risks & Lessons at the Red Chris Mine (March 17, 2025), ensuring the organization was informed of the governance and management oversight by the TCG since 2022, to address long-standing concerns of Tahltan. Additionally, TCG has reviewed Newmont’s materials for accuracy and due diligence. To further enhance transparency and awareness of the management actions our teams have progressed, we have outlined TCG’s efforts regarding the Red Chris Mine further below.

Since the initial approval of the Red Chris Mine, the Tahltan Nation has been steadfast in advocating for the protection of Tahltan values and asserting Tahltan governance and oversight over the project. TCG has actively engaged in monitoring and oversight efforts since the signing of the 2017 Red Chris Management Agreement (RCMA) between the Tahltan Nation and the Province of British Columbia. While progress has been made, challenges remain, including multiple changes in ownership (Imperial Metals, Newcrest, Newmont). Despite these challenges, our leadership and technical teams continue to push for necessary changes and improvements through collaboration with the current operator Newmont.

With the transition of ownership from Newcrest to Newmont, the Tahltan Nation remains vigilant in ensuring that our land, water, and values are protected. Existing commitments continue to advance, and the assertion of our governance and the Tahltan Stewardship and Sustainability Principles remains at the forefront of our mission. Newmont has been responsive and taken to advancing priority operational initiatives with our team since the ownership transition took place.

This commitment is exemplified through the advocacy of Tahltan Leadership in securing the Red Chris Consent-Based Decision-Making Agreement, finalized in 2023, which now requires Tahltan Consent for all substantial changes to the mine moving forward. Additionally, the 2017 RCMA strengthened operational oversight and established co-management structures to address longstanding concerns about Red Chris Mine’s operations. Since then, the TCG has advanced the development and implementation of robust co-management models; featuring oversight mechanisms such as participation at the Independent Tailings Review Panel (ITRP) and co-chairing responsibilities at the Red Chris Annual Monitoring Committee.

Regarding the mine’s current operations, the TCG and its Lands Department technical THREAT members have advanced studies on key mine-related facilities over the past number of years. While longstanding concerns persist, addressing them requires sustained effort, new commitments, and innovative solutions. The TCG remains committed to leading these advancements for projects, such as Red Chris that reside and operate in our Territory; as the protection of our lands and waters for current and future generations is our highest priority.

Current and Ongoing Efforts

The TCG is actively working on several initiatives to address critical issues, particularly regarding the Tailings Impoundment Area (TIA) and Rock Storage Area (RSA):

  • Tailings Thickener Implementation – Designed and implemented to improve tailings blending and consolidation, enhancing overall site water availability and supporting hydraulic containment within the facility.
  • Hydraulic Pumping and Well Testing – Conducted to better understand shallow, intermediate, and deep aquifer pathways at the Red Chris site. This work informed the design and installation of a shallow interception seepage system at both the North and South Valleys beyond the reclaim dams. Further research is underway to understand deep aquifer pathways and potential capture methods.
  • Hydrogeological Studies and Monitoring Expansion – Focused on the North Valley, South Valley, and Northeastern Arm of the TIA and surrounding lakes to refine understanding of surface-to-groundwater interactions, contaminant concentration levels, and flow paths. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the protection of aquatic, human, and terrestrial habitats and Tahltan values.
  • RSA Pilot System for Hydraulic Catchment – A pilot pumping program designed to test and improve water capture from the RSA, with findings guiding long-term enhancements through detailed engineering.
  • Advocacy for Groundwater Quality Regulations – Continued efforts to establish groundwater quality thresholds at Red Chris and provincially, reinforcing the Tahltan Nation’s responsibility to protect water resources. TCG is addressing this gap through internal policy development, aligned with Tahltan sustainability requirements.

We remain optimistic that through continued collaboration, technical advancements, and the recognition of Tahltan Title and Rights—as demonstrated through agreements like the Section 7 Consent-Based Decision-Making Agreement—our government will continue to resolve longstanding issues at Red Chris and stand strong against the execution of major projects that do not align with Tahltan Stewardship and the prioritized protection of Tahltan Values. We are committed to ensuring that all mining projects permitted to operate in our Territory require Tahltan Consent and uphold the highest environmental, cultural, and social standards, safeguarding Tahltan values for generations to come.