Snapshot: The KSM mine, proposed by Seabridge Gold’s subsidiary KSM Mining ULC in northwest British Columbia, Canada, would be one of the world’s largest gold-copper mines, involving open pits, underground mines, and massive tailings storage. Concerns over threats to the Nass and Unuk rivers, along with plans to store toxic mine waste within Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha traditional territory, have led to strong opposition. Originally granted an environmental permit in 2014, the project faced multiple delays, pushing the "substantial start" deadline to 2026. In July 2024, the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) ruled the project was "substantially started," allowing it to proceed without a new environmental assessment. In response, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation filed a legal challenge, arguing the Province failed to conduct meaningful consultation despite the project’s direct impact on their land.

In January 2024, Seabridge Gold, via its subsidiary KSM Mining, submitted an application to the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) for a "substantially started" determination to extend its Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) beyond the July 2026 deadline. This status is critical, as without it, the project’s approvals would lapse, requiring Seabridge to restart the permitting process. To qualify, the company must prove significant permanent physical development at the site.

On 25 July 2024, the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office ruled that the KSM project has been "substantially started," allowing it to proceed without a new environmental assessment.

On 22 November 2024, The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation filed a petition in British Columbia Supreme Court against the Province of British Columbia and relevant Ministries (collectively, the "Province") seeking judicial review of the determination by the Chief Executive Assessment Officer ("CEAO"), of the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office that Seabridge's KSM Project has been "substantially started". Petition seeking to overturn the EAO’s decision, citing inadequate consultation and environmental concerns.