In 2021, Seabridge Gold started early-stage construction activities such as building camps, access roads and site preparation at the KSM Project, to achieve the “substantially started’ status by July 28, 2026, which is required to maintain the validity of the Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Project’s life.
Undertaking these programs is a positive development for the KSM because it means the project is progressing with a phased development approach.
Advancing the early-stage construction activities has also started to benefit the local communities and Indigenous partners, as Seabridge is committed to hiring people from local communities and giving priority to qualified local, regional, and Indigenous contractors. In 2022, Seabridge awarded 30 major contracts totalling $170 million, of which $125 million was committed for Indigenous-affiliated businesses. The early-stage construction activities at the KSM Project also created more than 350 direct onsite jobs.
Undertaking early-stage construction will also enable Seabridge to begin the development of processes to administer the Benefits Agreement with both the Nisga’a and Tahltan Nations, as the company is working closely with these Nations’ economic development corporations on contracting and employment to conduct early-stage construction activities.
The early-stage construction will also allow Seabridge to continue the necessary technical studies needed to validate plans and be well-prepared in advance of a future project construction decision.
