Economic Impact Study highlights benefits of proposed copper mine
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trekor Metals Limited (TSX: TKO; NYSE American: TGB; LSE: TKO) ("Trekor" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Environmental Assessment (EA) process for its 100%-owned Yellowhead Project ("Yellowhead" or the "Project"), a proposed open-pit copper mine located in British Columbia's Thompson-Nicola region.
A Detailed Project Description ("DPD") for the Yellowhead Project was recently submitted to the BC Environmental Assessment Office. The DPD provides more information about the proposed Project, incorporating additional technical work and community feedback received during the Early Engagement Phase of the EA process. More than 1,000 local community members have participated in a series of open houses and events hosted by the project team.
The DPD submission marks an important milestone, advancing the Project to the next phase of the provincial EA process and informing the Readiness Decision and Process Planning phases to come. Process planning and scoping work is also underway for the Simpcw Process – an Indigenous-led, consent-based decision-making model.
Stuart McDonald, President & CEO of Trekor, commented, "We have been pleased with the level of community engagement to date, which has helped inform refinements to the project in certain areas, while maintaining the overall project design and objectives. Environmental studies and engineering work continue to advance with a site investigation and drilling program planned for this summer."
In conjunction with the DPD submission, Trekor has released a comprehensive economic impact study, prepared by MNP, which evaluates the potential economic impact of the construction and operation phases of the Yellowhead Project. To view the full report, visit: Yellowhead Economic Impact Study
Study highlights include*:
Major Economic Driver: The Yellowhead Project will generate total economic output in Canada of approximately $47 billion and value-added GDP of $27.3 billion. Approximately 70% of this economic activity will occur in BC's Thompson-Nicola region, contributing $33 billion in economic output and $20 billion in value-added GDP to the region.
Catalyst for Local/Regional Employment: During mine operations, Yellowhead will directly employ approximately 525 workers. The Project will also support 3,305 total jobs, including direct, indirect and induced employment.
Stable, Well-Paid Jobs: Yellowhead will provide secure, long-term, well-compensated employment opportunities, with total compensation for direct workers averaging $153,000 per year (more than double the average income in the region). The mine's direct payroll in the Thompson-Nicola region will total $81 million per year during operations and more than $2 billion over a 25-year operating life.
Significant Construction-Phase Benefits: During its 2–3 year construction phase, Yellowhead will generate an estimated $835 million in labour income, mostly within B.C., while providing a substantial economic boost for local communities and businesses.
Significant Contributions to Government: The Yellowhead Project will be a major contributor to government revenues at the local, provincial, and national levels, supporting essential programs and services. Over the construction and operations phases, Yellowhead will generate approximately $7 billion in payments to governments in Canada.
Leading Producer of Critical Minerals: Yellowhead will be a major new source of copper in Canada, with average annual life-of-mine production of 178 million pounds of copper in concentrate over the 25 year mine life. This level of production will make it the country's second-largest copper producer, increasing Canada's annual copper output by 16% over 2025 levels.
Copper is a critical material in a wide range of construction, industrial and technology applications, and is subject to rapidly expanding market demand associated with renewable energy systems, electrification and electric vehicles, defense spending, and AI data center development. Copper is designated a Critical Mineral by the governments of British Columbia and Canada.