A major gold mining project in northern BC is moving ahead.

The Ascot Resources Ltd. Premier Gold Project near Stewart is expected to create 140 jobs during construction and approximately employ 280 people while in operation.

With the Mines Act permit now in place, the company can move forward with construction.

Once built, it’s expected to be one of B.C.’s lowest carbon-intensive gold mines, connected to BC Hydro’s clean, hydroelectric grid power.

“Receiving the Mines Act Permit for PGP is a momentous milestone for Ascot and the culmination of extensive collaboration and consultation with Nisga’a Nation and the provincial regulators,” said Derek White, president, and CEO, Ascot Resources Ltd.

“We are grateful that our community-centered approach to responsible mine development and environmental stewardship was a vision shared by all parties involved in the permitting process. We would like to thank our shareholders, Nisga’a Nation, and the local towns of Stewart, B.C., and Hyder, Alaska for their support as we progressed through the permitting process and are looking forward to the next chapter as we advance Canada’s next gold mine toward production.”