Critical minerals developer Foran Mining has reported steady progress at its McIlvenna Bay copper/zinc project in Saskatchewan, with construction now 56% complete and first production still targeted for mid-2026. The project remains on budget.

During August, the company advanced 597 m of underground development, a record month for the project, and grew its surface ore stockpile to more than 112 000 t, surpassing the 100 000 t milestone.

Major surface works also moved forward, including completion of the tailings water management pond, enclosure of the main process plant building, and significant progress on the main electrical substation.

Foran confirmed it had received first disbursements under federal government funding agreements – C$2.6-million from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund and C$7.8-million from the Strategic Innovation Fund – with further contributions expected as construction advanced.

"The McIlvenna Bay project is a great example of how Canada is accelerating the development of responsibly sourced critical minerals – and today's update is a testament to why the government of Canada has referred McIlvenna Bay to the Major Projects Office, as a potential project of national interest," said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.

"With construction moving steadily and production expected next year, this project demonstrates what is possible when industry, Indigenous partners, and government work together."

Foran executive chairperson and CEO Dan Myerson said that the company's disciplined approach was gaining momentum. "As one of the first five projects referred to Canada's new Major Projects Office, McIlvenna Bay has been recognised as a national priority, demonstrating how a new greenfield mine can move from exploration to production while delivering on commitments to partners, local Indigenous communities, and shareholders. The endorsement from the federal government highlights a growing interest in strengthening Canada's role as a global critical minerals leader and supports potential future phased expansion opportunities at McIlvenna Bay."

The McIlvenna Bay project, located in the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt, is intended to become the centre of a new mining camp in the region, producing copper, zinc, gold and silver.