BMC Minerals (ASX:BMC) has received a positive decision document from the Government of Yukon, Natural Resources Canada, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada for its ABM Mine at the Kudz Ze Kayah (KZK) Project in Yukon, Canada, following approval in 2020 by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board.
The decision document builds on previous documents issued in 2022 and 2024 and comes after additional consultation ordered by the Yukon Court of Appeal in December 2024 between the Decision Bodies and Kaska First Nations on the economic viability of the project.
The document includes a total of 52 terms and conditions and two monitoring requirements, including 10 new terms and conditions that reflect the additional consultation.
The 10 new terms cover five areas — financial oversight, operational performance, the existing Socio-economic Participation Agreement (SEPA) with Ross River Dena Council and Liard First Nation, heritage resources, and road access — none of which are expected to have a significant impact on project economics.
BMC will have some additional reporting requirements under the first two terms, will engage on the existing SEPA, and allow road access to persons exercising Indigenous or treaty rights.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Michael McClelland says the company is pleased to see the re-issuance of the positive decision document after the completion of additional consultation between the Kaska First Nations and the Decision Bodies.
“The issuance of the positive decision document is an important milestone for the KZK Project,” McClelland says.
“This allows us to progress through the remaining regulatory approval process with the same constructive approach that has defined our engagement to date, which itself will involve additional consultation, to move the ABM Mine development towards a final investment decision.”
The company has previously submitted formal permit applications to the Yukon Water Board for a Type A Water Licence under the Waters Act (Yukon), an application for a Quartz Mining Licence under the Quartz Mining Act (Yukon), and applications for other authorisations required to develop and operate the proposed ABM Mine.
With the decision document issued, these applications can now be progressed by the regulators. BMC will now progress mining permit and licence applications with the company aiming to be able to make a final investment decision in late 2027, subject to receipt of permits.
BMC Minerals is an exploration company with exposure across precious and base metals, particularly silver, zinc, copper, lead, and gold.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: BMC Minerals
