Skeena Gold & Silver is preparing to begin ore mining and stockpiling at the Eskay Creek Gold-Silver Project as construction progresses toward initial production and cash flow in the second quarter of 2027.
The fully permitted project is under construction in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle, with Skeena advancing several activities required to transition Eskay Creek from development into operations. Planned work for the remainder of 2026 includes continued construction and development, completion and energization of key infrastructure, and the commencement of ore mining and stockpiling.
Building an ore stockpile ahead of processing can support the transition into commissioning and ramp-up by providing material to process as the operation comes online. Skeena’s stated timeline calls for initial production and cash flow during Q2 2027, while management currently expects commercial production to begin during 2027.
The company expects Eskay Creek to become one of the world’s highest-grade and lowest-cost open-pit precious metals mines once operating. The project is expected to produce both gold and significant quantities of silver, with Skeena saying anticipated silver by-product production would exceed the output of many primary silver mines.
Skeena is also working on further metallurgical testing that could be incorporated into production planning. At the same time, an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for Eskay Creek and Snip is expected to evaluate potential changes to the production profile and mine life.
Financing remains an important component of the development plan. Skeena expects the proceeds of its Senior Secured Notes to be sufficient and available to fund the company’s capital requirements through the commencement of commercial production.
The company’s development assumptions also include forecasts around Eskay Creek’s completion date and future gold and silver production schedule. Those projections are being used in connection with the valuation of the project’s Gold Stream, NSR Royalty and Additional NSR Royalty Option.
Skeena’s near-term focus is therefore shifting increasingly toward execution at the mine site. Infrastructure completion, grid energization, ore mining, stockpiling and commissioning represent key steps between the current construction phase and the planned start of production.
The company continues to target initial production and cash flow in Q2 2027, followed by the broader ramp-up toward commercial production during the year.
