TORONTO, ON — February 20, 2026 — Leads & Copy —
Hudbay Minerals Inc. has received key permit amendments for the New Ingerbelle expansion project at its Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia. The amended Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits were received through the coordinated authorizations process managed by the British Columbia Major Mines Office (MMO).
According to the company, this milestone enhances copper and gold production at Copper Mountain, secures a longer mine life, protects more than 800 jobs, and ensures continued economic benefits at the local, regional, and federal levels.
Hudbay President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Kukielski said the New Ingerbelle permit ensures the advancement of this major project while extending the company’s partnership with local communities to facilitate additional growth investments at Copper Mountain. He added that these efforts, combined with the development of New Ingerbelle, will unlock significant long-term value for all stakeholders and further adds to the company’s 99 years of successful operations in Canada.
British Columbia’s Minister for Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, said the Ingerbelle expansion will ensure hundreds of jobs are retained for the Princeton community, providing economic benefits to the community and the province for years to come. He added that the government is happy to see Hudbay continue its commitment to B.C. and to see this mine continue operating into the future.
Throughout the permitting process, Hudbay said it proactively engaged with the MMO, local communities, the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB), and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) to ensure transparency and collaborative oversight. The company finalized refreshed Participation Agreements with the USIB and LSIB in February 2026, reinforcing its commitment to strong Indigenous partnerships.
Hudbay Senior Vice President, Canada, Robert Carter said the company wants to thank the B.C. government, the USIB, the LSIB, and local communities for their open and efficient collaboration throughout the process. He added that through a commitment to responsible resource development and the expansion of copper production from Copper Mountain, the company will be continuing to provide a metal that is vital for electrification and the global energy transition and supporting B.C.’s Critical Mineral Strategy.
The New Ingerbelle expansion is designed to unlock access to higher-grade gold mineralization while significantly improving operational efficiency with a stripping ratio approximately three times lower than current mining areas.
Over the mine’s extended lifespan, it is projected to produce approximately 750,000 tonnes of copper, 900,000 ounces of gold, and 5.5 million ounces of silver based on current reserves only. According to the company, this further positions Copper Mountain as a supplier for the global energy transition. The expansion is forecasted to generate over C$11.5 billion in provincial Gross Domestic Product, preserve more than 800 direct jobs, and ensure long-term financial stability and community investment for the region and the broader province.
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Marc-Andre Brulotte, P.Geo., Director, Global Exploration and Resource Evaluation.
Source: Hudbay Minerals Inc.
