Blackwater Mine Officially Open
May 30, 2025
Blackwater Mine, Canada's newest gold and silver mine, was officially opened in a ceremony at the mine site on May 30, 2025.
B.C. Premier David Eby, along with Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Acting Chief June Baptiste of the Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation, and Councillor Corinne Cahoose, representing Chief Charlie Williams of Ulkatcho First Nation, attended the event. Other attendees included representatives of Indigenous and municipal governments, industry associations, business partners, contractors and other stakeholders.
Here is what they had to say:
"Blackwater Mine is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration with First Nations and the protection of vital lands and waters…This mine is a part of what we're building in B.C. the economic engine of the new Canadian economy. It creates hundreds of family-supporting jobs and builds prosperity here and across the country." - Premier David Eby
"Today marks the official opening of Blackwater Mine after an industry leading 22 months of construction and 3 months of commissioning, a phenomenal achievement in our industry. I couldn't be more proud of our team for achieving this milestone. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would also like to thank the federal and provincial government, the Lhoosk'uz Dené, Ulkatcho, Nadleh Whut'en, Saik'uz, Stellat'en and Nazko First Nations, along with the communities across the mine region, and our contractors and business partners for their support in helping us get to this point. What we have achieved together is a model for the sustainable and responsible development of mines in first world jurisdictions, like Canada." -Steven Dean, Chairman and CEO, Artemis Gold
"Blackwater Mine is a great example of what we want to see more of in B.C. - a project that creates good jobs, supports local and Indigenous communities and takes crucial steps to minimize the impact on the environment. It shows how responsible mining can move our economy forward in the right way." - Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals
"Lhooskuz Dené Nation is pleased to be part of this opening ceremony in our traditional territory. The development of the Blackwater project will provide long term employment for our members and economic opportunities for Nation. We remain committed to achieving the highest standard of environmental practice at all stages of development, along with Artemis and Ulkatcho First Nation." - June Baptiste, Acting Chief Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation
"Today marks a great milestone-one that reflects the dedication and vision of many since 2015. Ulkatcho First Nation stands side-by-side with Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation on this accomplishment - not only our neighbors, but united by shared lineage. We value our continued partnership of our shared territories, including shared mining interests, the metals and minerals that have been a part of our history for many generations. We also honour the leadership that came before us, whose guidance and commitment laid the foundation for this important day. Our collaboration on this important mining project is a testament to what can be accomplished when respect, partnership, and our communities lead the way. We extend our gratitude to Artemis Gold for choosing to invest in our lands and in a future that will benefit Ulkatcho First Nation for many years." - Chief Charlie Williams, Ulkatcho First Nation
"The safety record at Blackwater Mine is an exceptional achievement and a leading statistic globally. This result is a real credit to the leadership team that built Blackwater." - Jeremy Langford, President and Chief Operating Officer, Artemis Gold
View photos from the event here:
Q2 2025
