Gold developer Osisko Development has received Environmental Management Act (EMA) permits for its 100%-owned Cariboo project in British Columbia, marking the completion of the permitting process.

Combined with the British Columbia (BC) Mines Act permits secured in November, these approvals render the Cariboo project construction-ready.

“We are very pleased with the receipt of the EMA permits, which, together with the Mines Act permits, put the Cariboo Gold project in the enviable position of being construction and operation ready,” said Osisko founder, chairperson and CEO Sean Roosen in a statement.

He noted that ongoing bulk sample and underground development work was set for completion in the first quarter of 2025, with an optimised feasibility study expected in the second quarter. Full-scale construction could start in the second half of 2025, with project completion targeted by the end of 2027.

BC Mining and Critical Minerals Minister Jagrup Brar commented that the project would provide “good, well-paying jobs and open up long-term opportunities for local small businesses, communities, and First Nations”.

“We will continue to work with the mining industry to ensure efficient permitting while also guaranteeing the province’s commitment to environmental protection and reconciliation,” he said.

The permits, issued following a thorough review by BC’s Major Mines Office, include permissions for mining, reclamation, and environmental management activities for the mine site complex, QR mill, and Bonanza ledge.

Despite these achievements, the Cariboo project faces opposition from the Xatśūll First Nation, who have previously expressed concerns over potential environmental and cultural impacts, including effects on the Southern Mountain subspecies of the Barkerville Woodland caribou herd. The First Nation has stated that negotiations with Osisko have seen “very minimal progress” and is urging the company to reach an agreement before further steps are taken.

The Cariboo project is expected to operate for an initial 12 years, with peak production reaching up to 223 000 oz/y and an average of 194 000 oz/y during Phase 2 at a processing rate of 4 900 t/d.