Seabridge Gold Inc (TSE: SEA) (NYSE: SA) (FRA: SRM) just received the Resource and Mining Excellence Award from the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce.
On May 27, the local business group presented the award to recognize significant contributions to the resource and mining sector in the Bulkley Valley. Criteria included innovation, sustainability, leadership, responsible resource management, operational excellence, safety, environmental stewardship, job creation and community partnerships.
This award highlights Seabridge’s ongoing work on the KSM (Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell) project in northwest British Columbia. Seabridge has invested more than C$1.2 billion in exploration, engineering, environmental assessments and permitting at the operation to date.
The Smithers District Chamber of Commerce presents its Community and Business Excellence Awards, including this one, annually as its flagship event and primary fundraiser. It has been ongoing since at least 2020, celebrating local contributions across multiple categories each spring.
The KSM project sits about 65 kilometres northwest of Stewart, BC. It is a large-scale development-stage asset focused on gold, copper, silver and molybdenum. According to company data, it holds proven and probable reserves of approximately 47.3 million ounces of gold and 7.3 billion pounds of copper. Measured and indicated resources stand higher at around 95.5 million ounces of gold and 21.1 billion pounds of copper.
An updated preliminary feasibility study has outlined a potential mine life exceeding 30 years in the initial plan, with environmental assessment approvals from both provincial and federal authorities secured in 2014. The project received a “substantially started” designation in 2024, which helps secure those approvals long-term.
Early construction activities, including roads, bridges and other infrastructure, have progressed, but full production remains years away yet.
Seabridge claims KSM as Canada’s largest development-stage gold project. In terms of contained gold resources and reserves among undeveloped or early-stage sites, this appears accurate based on public disclosures. It stands out for its scale compared to many peers.
Comparable projects in British Columbia include Artemis Gold Inc‘s (CVE: ARTG) (OTCMKTS: ARGTF) (FRA: 0WG) Blackwater mine in central BC, which has entered production and pursues expansions to become one of Canada’s larger gold operations. Artemis is targeting hundreds of thousands of ounces annually.
Additionally, Skeena Resources Ltd (TSE: SKE) is currently advancing the Eskay Creek revitalization in the Golden Triangle as an open-pit gold-silver project. Construction is underway with initial production slated for next year.
Economic studies on the KSM project highlight long-term contributions through jobs, spending and taxes, but actual outcomes will depend on future metal prices, capital costs and execution.
Read more: NevGold launches 20,000-metre drill campaign at Nevada antimony-gold project
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