What's happening now
The Tenas coal mine review is in its final phase. These are the dates that matter between now and the decision.
Updated October 10, 2026.
In one paragraph
The BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) is writing its report on the mine. It started a 150-day clock on August 17. Before the file goes to Ministers, the public gets one 30-day window to comment on the EAO's draft findings and the draft conditions. Local organizers give that window as November 10 to December 10. The EAO has not yet posted it.
Dates
- Aug 17The final phase began. Done The EAO accepted Telkwa Mining's answers to its outstanding questions and started the Effects Assessment. Source: EAO letter, Aug 17, 2026, p. 1.
- Sat, Oct 10, 1 pmTelkwa town hall. Held Oct 10 A public forum at the Telkwa Community Hall, hosted by the Community Resources Board. Were you there? Tell us what was said, using the feedback form at the bottom of this page. Source: What Matters in Our Valley, Oct 5, 2026.
- Sat, Oct 17, 1 pmSmithers town hall. The second forum, at the Della Herman Theatre in Smithers. The organizers say you can stay for whichever topics matter most to you. Source: What Matters in Our Valley.
- By about Nov 3Public notice. The proponent must advertise the EAO's open houses or virtual sessions at least seven days before the comment period opens. Source: Assessment Plan, p. 7. The date is our arithmetic from November 10.
- Nov 10 to Dec 10Public comment period. Dates not yet posted by the EAO Thirty days to comment on the EAO's draft Assessment Report and the draft certificate with its proposed conditions. This is the last formal opening for public input. Dates: What Matters in Our Valley. What is open for comment: EAO letter, Aug 17, 2026, p. 2. We checked the EAO registry on October 10 and it listed no new comment period.
- During that windowConsent or non-consent. Each of the four participating Indigenous nations may file a notice of consent or lack of consent, with reasons. Source: Assessment Plan, p. 11.
- About Jan 14, 2027Day 150. The EAO sends its final package to the Minister of Environment and Parks and the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. The phase may be extended. Source: Assessment Plan, p. 7 and p. 9. The date is our arithmetic from August 17.
- After thatThe Ministers decide whether to issue an Environmental Assessment Certificate.
What you will be asked to comment on
- The draft Assessment Report. The EAO's own findings on what the mine would do to water, fish, caribou, air, noise and the communities. Until now the public has only seen the proponent's conclusions and the reviewers' objections.
- The draft certificate. The proposed legally binding conditions and the certified project description.
The Community Advisory Committee set up for What Matters in Our Valley is invited to comment on the same documents and to write a recommendations report. Source: Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference, p. 3.
Get ready
Thirty days is short for a file this size. These pages are a head start.
Comments go to the EAO through its Tenas Project page once the period opens.
What we do not know yet
- Whether the EAO will confirm November 10 to December 10. We will update this page when the notice is posted.
- When the draft Assessment Report will be published. It has to be available by the day the comment period opens.
- Where and when the EAO's own open houses or virtual sessions will be held.
Part of the Telkwa Coal public record. Town hall and comment-period dates are as published by What Matters in Our Valley, a local citizens' group.