TSX- and NYSE-listed copper miner Hudbay Minerals has broken ground at the New Ingerbelle expansion project at the Copper Mountain mine, in British Columbia.

This marks a significant milestone for the operation and its long-term future in British Columbia.

With key permits in place, Hudbay is advancing important infrastructure required for the expansion, including an access road, a bridge across the Similkameen river and an east haul road connecting New Ingerbelle to existing operations.

Concurrently, the company has initiated a targeted drilling programme at New Ingerbelle, focusing on upgrading existing inferred resources to reserves to further optimise and extend the future mine life at Copper Mountain.

The groundbreaking ceremony on June 18 was attended by Hudbay's executive team, employees, the British Columbia Mining Association, the Chief of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, leaders from the local community and British Columbia's Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar.

The event was also recognised by Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, saying in a video recording that Hudbay's groundbreaking is more than the start of a new mine expansion. "It is a signal of confidence in Canada's resource sector, in Canadian workers and in our ability to build big things."

Based on current mineral reserves, New Ingerbelle is projected to produce about 750 000 t of copper, 900 000 oz of gold and 5.5-million ounces of silver over the life-of-mine. It is designed to access higher-grade mineralisation while it also features a stripping ratio three times lower than that of the current mining areas.

The expansion is expected to generate significant economic benefits for British Columbia, including more than C$11.5-billion in provincial GDP, while supporting regional supply chains, contractors, local businesses and community investment across the Similkameen region and the province.

Hudbay president and CEO Peter Kukielski says New Ingerbelle is not just an expansion but a critical pillar of the group's long-term growth strategy in British Columbia.

"The opening of New Ingerbelle enhances the copper and gold production profile at Copper Mountain, secures more than 800 full-time jobs beyond 2040 and ensures the mine continues to deliver economic benefits at the local, regional and federal levels. Our efforts to optimise Copper Mountain, combined with the development of New Ingerbelle, will unlock significant long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”