ʔEsdilagh First Nation Water Management Framework
February 19, 2026
British Columbia
The Blackwater Gold Mine is an open pit gold and silver mine located in central British Columbia, southwest of Vanderhoof. The Traditional Territories of the Nadleh Whut’en, Stellat’en, and Saik’uz First Nations (collectively the Nechako First Nations) lie downstream of the mine site, creating significant potential for downstream impacts. In addition, the project’s transmission line crosses directly through their Territories
Source has supported the Nechako First Nations on this project since 2014, from the Environmental Assessment process through permitting. During permitting, Source provided technical input to guide the development of a comprehensive Care and Maintenance Plan. The outcomes of this work were incorporated into the mine design and formalized as permit conditions under the Mines Act—setting an important precedent for care and maintenance planning in the Province and demonstrating meaningful collaboration between the proponent, the Province, and the Nations.
Today, Source continues to support the Blackwater Project throughout construction and into operations, contributing expertise in surface and groundwater management, water treatment, fisheries, ML/ARD management, bonding, and closure planning. Our work helps ensure that environmental plans and permit conditions are in place to prevent and mitigate potential impacts to the Nations.
