Skeena Announces Signing of Eskay Creek Process Charter
Skeena Announces Signing of Eskay Creek Process Charter
Vancouver, BC (January 17, 2023) Skeena Resources Limited (TSX: SKE, NYSE: SKE) (“Skeena”
or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the signing of the permitting Process Charter and other key
milestones in the approval process for the Eskay Creek gold -silver Project (“Eskay Creek” or the
“Project”) located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia (“BC”).
The Process Charter is a unique collaboration between Skeena, the Tahltan Central Government
(“TCG”), and the Government of BC (the “Province”). This document establishes a workplan for all
parties to collaborate on an efficient Environmental Assessment (“EA”) and permitting process for
Eskay Creek. The target timelines established in the Process Charter outline the EA Certificate being
received in H2 2024 and final permits to be issued in H1 2025. These dates align with the development
timeline anticipated for the Project.
Connor Pritty, TCG Lands Director commented, “The TCG recently finalized the Process Charter for
Eskay Creek. This document f ocuses on the details of regulatory processes related to the Project. It
is an example of how Skeena is c ontinually working with the Tahltan Nation to redefine how project
approval processes are carried out within our Territory. We are working together to effectively integrate
Tahltan knowledge, process requirements and decision -making specific to Eskay Creek. The TCG
Lands Department looks forward to continuing to work with the team at Skeena.”
Skeena’s President & CEO, Randy Reichert, goes on to comment “The Process Charter is a significant
step forward in the approval process for Eskay Creek. The signing of this document demonstrates the
commitment from all parties on permitting the Project in an efficient and timely matter. We appreciate
the efforts and collaboration shown by both the TCG and the Province in achieving this major
milestone.”
Environmental Assessment Update - Readiness Decision & Federal Substitution
Skeena has worked closely with the TCG, Federal and Provincial regulators, Indigenous Nations, and
communities to advance the EA process for Eskay Creek. On November 18, 2022, both the EA Office
and TCG provided a positive Readiness Decision for the Project which advanced it to the Process
Planning stage. Then, o n November 29, 2022, the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate
Change approved the substitution of the impact assessment to the BC Environmental Assessment
Office (“BCEAO”). The substitution decision means that instead of doing two separate assessments
on Eskay Creek, the BCEA O conducts a single assessment that meets both Provincial and Federal
requirements.
About Skeena
Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on
revitalizing the past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden
Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Feasibility Study for Eskay
NR: 23-03 | January 17, 2023
Creek in September 2022 which highlights an after -tax NPV5% of C$1.4B, 50% IRR, and a 1 -year
payback at US$1,700/oz Au and US$19/oz Ag.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,
Walter Coles Jr. Randy Reichert
Executive Chairman President & CEO
Contact Information
Investor Inquiries: [email protected]
Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725
Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
Certain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this news release constitute “forward-looking
information” and “forward -looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities
legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). These statements relate to future events or our future performance.
The use of words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “proposes”, “contemplates”, “generates” , “targets”, “is projected”, “is
planned”, “considers”, “estimates”, “expects”, “is expected”, “potential” and similar expressions, or statements that certain
actions, events or results “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, or “would” be taken, achieved, or occ ur, may identify forward -
looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Specific forward-
looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the results of the Feasibility
Study, processing capacity of the mine, anticipated mine life, probable reserves, estimated project capital and operating
costs, sustaining costs, results of test work and studies, planned environmental assessments, the future price of met als,
metal concentrate, and future exploration and development. Such forward -looking statements are based on material
factors and/or assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the
realization of res ource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future
exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals,
environmental risks, title disput es and the assumptions set forth herein and in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended
December 31, 2021, its most recently filed interim MD&A, and the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) dated
March 31, 2022. Such forward -looking statements represent the Company’s management expectations, estimates and
projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made, and are necessarily based on
several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company a s of the date hereof, are not
guarantees of future performance. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein, and are
subject to significant operational, business, economic, and regulatory risks and uncertainties. The risks a nd uncertainties
that may affect the forward -looking statements in this news release include, among others: the inherent risks involved in
exploration and development of mineral properties, including permitting and other government approvals; changes in
economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and other key variables; changes in mine plans and other
factors, including accidents, equipment breakdown, bad weather and other project execution delays, many of which are
beyond the control of th e Company; environmental risks and unanticipated reclamation expenses; and other risk factors
identified in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF
dated March 31, 2022, the base shelf prospectus dated November 11, 2020, the prospectus supplement to the Company’s
base shelf prospectus dated September 20, 2022 and in the Company’s other periodic filings with securities and regulatory
authorities in Canada and the United States that are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at
www.sec.gov.
Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only
as of the date on which it is made and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update and/o r revise any
forward- looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws.