Hudbay Minerals (TSX:HBM) has celebrated the official groundbreaking of the New Ingerbelle expansion project at its Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia, Canada.
“New Ingerbelle is not just an expansion. It is a critical pillar of Hudbay’s long-term growth strategy in British Columbia,” CEO Peter Kukielski says.
“The opening of New Ingerbelle enhances the copper and gold production profile at Copper Mountain, secures more than 800 full-time jobs beyond 2040, and ensures the mine continues to deliver economic benefits at the local, regional and federal levels.”
The groundbreaking follows the Government of British Columbia adding New Ingerbelle to its list of priority resource projects.
The expansion received key mining permits on 19 February 2026 from the British Columbia Major Mines Office (MMO) following a review and consultation process.
Hudbay engaged with the MMO, local communities, the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band throughout the permitting process. The company reached refreshed participation agreements with both bands in February 2026.
“Our people have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. As this project moves forward, our priority is ensuring the protection of the Similkameen River and surrounding ecosystems,” Upper Similkameen Indian Band Chief Charles Allison says.
Copper, jobs, and infrastructure
Based on current mineral reserves, New Ingerbelle is projected to produce approximately 750,000 tonnes of copper, 900,000 ounces of gold and 5.5 million ounces of silver over the life of mine.
The expansion is expected to generate more than C$11.5 billion ($11.6 billion) in provincial gross domestic product while preserving more than 800 direct jobs and generating more than C$2.2 billion in labour income.
With key permits in place, Hudbay is advancing the infrastructure required for the expansion, including an access road, a bridge across the Similkameen River, and an east haul road connecting New Ingerbelle to existing operations.
The company has initiated a targeted drilling program at New Ingerbelle, focusing on upgrading existing Inferred resources to reserves to further optimise and extend the future mine life at Copper Mountain.
Hudbay Minerals operates three mines across Canada and Peru, with the Copper Mountain Mine in British Columbia, the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba, and the Constancia Mine in Peru.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Hudbay Minerals
