Canada celebrates progress on the McIlvenna Bay mine: production underway, jobs created, supply chains strengthened

SASKATOON, SK, Sept. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Located in Saskatchewan's Flin Flon Greenstone Belt, one of Canada's richest mineral regions, the McIlvenna Bay copper-zinc mine is one of Canada's most significant new critical minerals mines, being developed by Eldorado Gold in close partnership with Indigenous partners. As a new source of minerals that are essential to clean energy technology, advanced manufacturing and national security, this project will strengthen Saskatchewan's and Canada's economic prosperity, supply chain security and industrial strength.

The federal government referred the project to the Major Projects Office in September 2025, and -- one year later -- is celebrating the project's progress.

McIlvenna Bay has achieved significant milestones, including:

• Achieving first concentrate and ramping up toward commercial production: The mine produced its first copper concentrate in June, followed by zinc and pyrite concentrates in July, and is expected to reach commercial production in the third quarter of 2026.
• Connecting to clean electricity: The project was connected to SaskPower's grid through a new, 85-km transmission line and substation, providing reliable, renewable electricity to power operations.
• Ramping up operations and planning for the future: With more than 400,000 tonnes of material ready for processing, Eldorado Gold is exploring opportunities to increase processing capacity and recover more valuable minerals, including copper, zinc, gold and silver.
• Continuing development and exploration activities: Exploration work, including approximately 14,000 metres of drilling in 2026, is underway to support future mining opportunities. Additionally, Eldorado Gold is evaluating an expansion of McIlvenna Bay's processing capacity from 4,900 to approximately 7,000 tonnes per day, and the addition of a silver-lead circuit.

The progress at McIlvenna Bay marks a major advancement for Canada's growing critical minerals sector. It is creating hundreds of jobs, boosting local economies in Saskatchewan and Quebec, where the copper will be smelted.

As Canada moves faster, builds smarter and thinks bigger, McIlvenna Bay demonstrates how responsible resource development can unlock Canada's full potential. We are building Canada Strong by securing our supply chains, creating good jobs and making the most of our resources to bring prosperity to Canadians.

Quotes

"The progress achieved at McIlvenna Bay is a clear example of what Canada can accomplish when governments, Indigenous partners, workers and industry work together. As one of Canada's most significant new sources of copper and zinc, this project is strengthening our economic prosperity and national security at a time when we have never needed to build for ourselves more. That is why, through the Major Projects Office, we are moving faster on projects of national interest that unlock our resources; create opportunities for Canadians; and deliver lasting prosperity in Saskatchewan and across Canada."

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
 Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"McIlvenna Bay means real opportunities for workers, families and communities in rural and northern Saskatchewan. This project demonstrates how responsible resource development and strong Indigenous partnerships can build a more resilient economy while maximizing on-the-ground benefits for local Saskatchewan communities and for Canadians from coast to coast to coast."

The Honourable Buckley Belanger
 Secretary of State for Rural Development

"Reaching first production at McIlvenna Bay is an important milestone for Eldorado, local communities, Indigenous peoples, investors and our employees and contractors who have helped bring this project to life. We appreciate the Government of Canada's focus on advancing major projects and creating the conditions for investment, jobs and more-resilient supply chains. With first production achieved, a study underway to evaluate a potential mill expansion and the addition of a silver-lead circuit, and significant district-scale exploration potential, we look forward to continuing to work with governments and Indigenous partners to unlock McIlvenna Bay's full potential for Canada."

Christian Milau
President, Eldorado Gold

Quick Facts

• In December 2024, Natural Resources Canada provided up to $20 million through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) -- now the First and Last Mile Fund -- to McIlvenna Bay to support the construction of a hydro transmission connection, an on-site electrical substation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These investments will help power the mine with clean Saskatchewan hydroelectricity and support low-emissions mining.
• In January 2025, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) provided $41 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to integrate innovative clean technologies at the McIlvenna Bay site. The mine is intended to serve as a model for responsible, low-emissions mining practices.
• In May 2025, the Canada Growth Fund agreed to commit approximately $156 million alongside co-investors to support the development and construction of the McIlvenna Bay Project.
• In September 2025, the McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine Project was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO), which works with proponents, Indigenous partners and federal departments to advance projects of national interest through co-ordinated and efficient federal processes. The referral recognizes McIlvenna Bay's importance to Canada's economic growth, critical minerals leadership and contribution to secure North American and allied supply chains.
• In 2026, McIlvenna Bay is expected to produce between five and 10 million pounds of copper, 3,000 and 6,000 tonnes of zinc, 5,000 and 10,000 ounces of gold, and 100,000 and 200,000 ounces of silver.
• Based on the March 2025 feasibility study, McIlvenna Bay is expected to operate for at least 18 years. Over the life of the mine, annual production is expected to average 41 million pounds of copper, 54 million pounds of zinc, 20,000 ounces of gold and 444,000 ounces of silver.
• McIlvenna Bay currently employs approximately 380 full-time workers, with total employment expected to grow to about 450 once commercial production is reached. Currently, approximately 34 percent of the workforce is Indigenous.
• Copper is a critical mineral that helps power the clean economy and is used in electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy systems and electricity transmission infrastructure.
• Zinc is primarily used to galvanize steel, helping protect bridges, buildings, vehicles and other infrastructure from corrosion. About 60 percent of global zinc use is for galvanization.
• In 2025, the minerals sector directly and indirectly accounted for 721,000 jobs throughout the country in urban, rural and remote regions and contributed $157 billion, or five percent, to Canada's total nominal gross domestic product.

Related Products

• Canada Invests in Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Critical Minerals Development in Saskatchewan
• Government of Canada investing in Foran Mining Corporation's critical minerals production in Saskatchewan
• Canada Growth Fund announces strategic investment in Foran Mining, a Western Canadian-based critical minerals mining company
• Prime Minister Carney announces first projects to be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office
• McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine Project (Major Projects Office)

Associated Links

• Eldorado Gold McIlvenna Bay
• Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy
• Major Projects Office
• First and Last Mile Fund

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6096, [email protected]; Charlotte Power, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, [email protected]