McIlvenna Bay Project
Proponent
Eldorado Gold
Sector
Mining
Location
East-Central Saskatchewan
Proponent
Eldorado Gold
Sector
Mining
Location
East-Central Saskatchewan
Description
The McIlvenna Bay Project is developing a mine around a newly defined mineral reserve. It shares similar geological features with other major mines along the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt. The deposit has more potential for growth, with ongoing exploration showing potential opportunities for expansion in the future.
As proposed, the project would produce copper and zinc ore concentrates containing gold and silver up to a total production rate of 4,200 tonnes per day. Concentrate products from the processing plant are proposed to be transported by truck to a third-party rail loading facility to be distributed for smelting. The lifespan of the project is expected to be up to 40 years.
This project will strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier of critical minerals for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and modern infrastructure.
Description
The McIlvenna Bay Project is developing a mine around a newly defined mineral reserve. It shares similar geological features with other major mines along the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt. The deposit has more potential for growth, with ongoing exploration showing potential opportunities for expansion in the future.
As proposed, the project would produce copper and zinc ore concentrates containing gold and silver up to a total production rate of 4,200 tonnes per day. Concentrate products from the processing plant are proposed to be transported by truck to a third-party rail loading facility to be distributed for smelting. The lifespan of the project is expected to be up to 40 years.
This project will strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier of critical minerals for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and modern infrastructure.
Quick facts
- Clean energy advantage: The project will be operated by clean energy produced by two nearby hydroelectric dams.
- Critical minerals leadership: Will help position Canada as a leading global supplier of critical minerals such as copper and zinc, essential for clean energy and modern infrastructure.
- Job creation: The project currently employs approximately 380 full-time workers, with total employment expected to grow to about 450 once commercial production is reached.
Benefits
- The project provides hundreds of new jobs, boosts local economies, and will be powered by clean energy.
- By supplying critical minerals such as copper and zinc for clean energy and modern infrastructure, the project will contribute to Canada’s economic growth and global competitiveness in advanced manufacturing industries.
- Collaboration agreements are in place with impacted Indigenous group, including training and jobs benefits.
Latest updates
- In September 2026, the McIlvenna Bay project celebrated several milestones, including producing its first copper concentrate in June 2026, followed by its first zinc concentrate in July 2026. The project is now ramping up toward full commercial production. Since the project's referral, MPO has worked closely with the proponent and key federal partners to strengthen federal coordination and address key project needs and roadblocks. This coordinated approach, together with federal financing, has helped position the project to progress toward full commercial production.
- On April 14, 2026, Eldorado Gold Corporation completed acquisition of Foran Mining Corporation, officially taking ownership of the McIlvenna Bay project.
- On February 19, 2026, the proponent reported that construction of the McIlvenna Bay Project was approximately 88% complete as of January 31, 2026. The project remains on schedule for commercial production in mid-2026 and continues to track within budget.
- On September 11, 2025, the project was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
- The MPO is working with Eldorado Gold to develop an approach for potential project expansion, facilitate coordination across federal departments, and support the implementation of timely and efficient regulatory processes.
- In 2022, the McIlvenna Bay Project underwent a provincial environmental assessment, and received provincial approval. As such, the Province of Saskatchewan is responsible for discharging the duty to consult, as part of the provincial environmental impact assessment process.
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