Hudbay Minerals Inc has celebrated the official groundbreaking of the New Ingerbelle expansion project at its Copper Mountain mine, marking a significant milestone for the operation and its long-term future in British Columbia, Canada.
The event was attended by Hudbay’s executive team, employees, B.C.’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, the B.C. Mining Association, the Chief of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, regional representatives and leaders from the local community. The event was also recognised by Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“New Ingerbelle is not just an expansion, it is a critical pillar of Hudbay’s long-term growth strategy in British Columbia,” Peter Kukielski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hudbay, said. “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. Our efforts to optimise Copper Mountain, combined with the development of New Ingerbelle, will unlock significant long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”
The groundbreaking comes shortly after the Government of British Columbia added New Ingerbelle to its list of priority resource projects, recognising initiatives that support economic growth, responsible resource development and long-term value creation across the province. The New Ingerbelle expansion received key mining permits on February 19, 2026 from the British Columbia Major Mines Office (MMO) following a review and consultation process.
Based on current mineral reserves, New Ingerbelle is projected to produce approximately 750,000 t of copper, 900,000 oz of gold and 5.5 Moz of silver over the life of mine. Designed to access higher-grade mineralisation, the expansion also features a stripping ratio approximately three times lower than current mining areas.
The expansion is expected to generate significant economic benefits for British Columbia, including more than C$11.5 billion ($8.1 billion) in provincial GDP, while preserving more than 800 direct jobs and generating more than C$2.2 billion in labour income. The expansion will continue to support regional supply chains, contractors, local businesses and community investment across the Similkameen region and the province.
With key permits in place, Hudbay is advancing important 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. Concurrently, 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.
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said: “Hudbay’s groundbreaking is more than a start of a new mine expansion. It’s a signal of confidence in Canada’s resource sector, in Canadian workers, and in our ability to build big things. Our government is proud to see a strong and proud Canadian company continuing to invest, grow and create opportunities in British Columbia.”
Jagrup Brar, British Columbia’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, added: “Today marks the important beginning of the next phase in a project that will continue contributing to well-paying jobs in this region for many years to come. This expansion is a huge vote of confidence in this community, reflecting the skills and training of workers who make this industry possible, and the strong momentum in British Columbia’s world-leading mining and critical minerals sector.”
Chief Charles Allison of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band said: “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. We will continue to work to ensure that development respects our stewardship responsibilities and the long-term health of our territory.”