The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs will conduct their own review of a proposed mining amendment under the Gitanyow Wilp Sustainability Assessment Process (WSAP), an Indigenous-led environmental review based on Gitanyow laws.
The Red Chris Mine, operated by Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited, a Newmont Corporation subsidiary, is planning to shift from open-pit mining to underground block caving. The mine is located in Tahltan Territory, but offsite activities, such as increased industrial traffic, emissions, and potential energy developments, may affect Gitanyow Lax’yip, or traditional territory.
Gitanyow’s assessment will run parallel to provincial and federal reviews, with studies underway this summer and a report expected this fall. The WSAP was established in 2020 in response to what Gitanyow leaders say is a lack of accountability and meaningful Indigenous involvement in government-led environmental assessments.
The Gitanyow maintain they have never surrendered their 6,200-square-kilometre territory in the Nass and Skeena watersheds. Their assessment will consider social, cultural, environmental, and potential economic impacts of the proposed mine expansion, including possible partnerships in green energy.
Newmont has agreed to engage with the Gitanyow-led process, as it has for other projects in the region.
