"CONSENT TO NEW INGERBELLE NOT GIVEN BY smalamix February 23, 2026 - cuPc?wixa? (Hedley), and xxkws (Cawston), smelqmix Territory The Chiefs and Councils of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band & the Lower Similkameen Indian Band are deeply disappointed by the Province of British Columbia's decision on February 20, 2026, to approve the New Ingerbelle Expansion Proposal for the Copper Mountain Mine. The Chiefs, Councilors, Natural Resource Departments, and community members of the bands did not give consent for this project to move forward. While both USIB and LSIB have signed Participation Agreements with Copper Mountain Mine, these agreements expressly state that advance consent to New Ingerbelle was not provided. These facts were made clear by USIB and LSIB during information meetings for our members, and through a joint press release issued by the bands and HudBay on February 10, 2026 (attached). In light of the unilateral approval of New Ingerbelle Expansion Proposal by the Province of British Columbia without the prior, fully informed, clear consent of the smalqmix, both bands will undertake a full review of the approval conditions and reasons for decision, and assess all available options to ensure that the waters, all living things, and the lands, will be taken care of. The New Ingerbelle Expansion will extend mine life by 15-20 years, while the smalqmix and our neighbours that choose to be here forever, will have to deal with the consequences long after the profits and monies have left the valley. With Deep Humility, and Respect, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band"
Consent not given for #Hudbay #mine expansion approved by BC gov:
"The New Ingerbelle Expansion will extend mine life by 15-20 years, while the #smalqmix and our neighbours that choose to be here forever will have to deal with the consequences long after the profits and monies have left the valley"
