Vancouver-based Artemis Gold has officially opened the Blackwater mine in central British Columbia, marking the launch of Canada’s newest gold and silver operation and one of the biggest resource developments in the Cariboo region in more than a decade.

The openpit mine, located 110 km southwest of Vanderhoof, is expected to produce between 190 000 oz and 230 000 oz of gold in the 2025 financial year. Its opening follows a rapid 22-month construction period and three months of commissioning, culminating in commercial production earlier this month.

British Columbia Premier David Eby and provincial Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar joined Indigenous leaders and other stakeholders for an opening ceremony at the mine site Friday.

“Blackwater mine is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration with First Nations and the protection of vital lands and waters,” Eby said. “It creates hundreds of family-supporting jobs and builds prosperity here and across the country.”

The mine currently employs more than 400 people, with 25% identifying as Indigenous and 80% from within British Columbia. Artemis has invested in building the project with sustainability in mind, powering operations with hydroelectricity and installing an all-electric processing plant to reduce carbon emissions. The mine also plans to integrate zero-emission ore and waste haulage options by 2030.

“Today marks the official opening of Blackwater mine after an industry leading 22 months of construction and three months of commissioning,” Artemis Gold chairperson and CEO Steven Dean said. “What we have achieved together is a model for the sustainable and responsible development of mines in first world jurisdictions, like Canada.”

Blackwater mine holds measured and indicated resources of 11.7-million ounces of gold and 122.4-million ounces of silver. The mine is being developed in three phases. Construction of the first phase was completed this year, and a decision on the second phase, which could add 800 construction jobs and 170 operational positions, is expected later in 2025.

According to an economic impact study by KPMG, the project is projected to contribute C$13.2-billion to the provincial economy over its life, including C$2.3-billion in provincial and C$1.5-billion in federal tax revenues. With higher metal prices since the study was completed in 2020, actual contributions may be even greater.

“Blackwater mine is a great example of what we want to see more of in BC – a project that creates good jobs, supports local and Indigenous communities and takes crucial steps to minimize the impact on the environment,” Brar said.

Artemis says that more than C$1-billion has been spent building the mine to date, including C$700-million within British Columbia and over C$300-million with local and Indigenous businesses.

The project was developed in partnership with six First Nations, including the Lhoosk’uz Dené and Ulkatcho First Nations, with whom Artemis co-developed environmental management plans addressing caribou, fish habitat, wetlands, and other conservation measures.

“Lhooskuz Dené Nation is pleased to be part of this opening ceremony in our traditional territory,” said acting Chief June Baptiste. “The development of the Blackwater project will provide long term employment for our members and economic opportunities for Nation.”

Chief Charlie Williams of the Ulkatcho First Nation, who was represented at the ceremony, said: “Today marks a great milestone - one that reflects the dedication and vision of many since 2015… Our collaboration on this important mining project is a testament to what can be accomplished when respect, partnership, and our communities lead the way.”

The safety record during construction is also drawing attention, with more than 5.3-million hours worked without a lost time incident.

“The safety record at Blackwater Mine is an exceptional achievement and a leading statistic globally,” said Artemis president and COO Jeremy Langford.