Kamloops MLAs say Ajax mine is not part of the province's mining push
Two Conservative MLAs from Kamloops say they do not expect the rejected Ajax copper and gold mine to be revived, even as the incoming government promises faster mining permits.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on castanetkamloops.net.
Two Conservative MLAs from Kamloops Centre and Kamloops-North Thompson say they do not expect the Ajax copper and gold mine to be revived under the incoming Conservative government, even though premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has pledged to speed up mining permits across BC.
Castanet Kamloops reported on November 5 that Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre, said he has not heard anything about Ajax being "even remotely considered" and believes the project would face a long road before securing the approvals it would need.
"Supercharging the economy isn't a mine project that took 10 years to get a no," Milobar told Castanet.
Ward Stamer, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, was also cautious. He said he has no position on Ajax and would have to wait and see whether the project is ever brought forward again, adding that other mining proposals appear better placed to move ahead.
"I'm sure there's other projects in the province that would certainly be greenlit a lot quicker than even a suggestion of Ajax proposal," Stamer told Castanet.
Why Ajax is different
The Ajax mine was proposed as an open-pit copper and gold operation on a property south of Aberdeen, in Kamloops. Provincial and federal regulators rejected it in 2017 after environmental reviews, with the mine's proximity to residential neighbourhoods and schools cited as a major factor in the decision.
The project was revived by KGHM, a Polish mining company, and Abacus Mining and Exploration in 2020. It remains listed on KGHM's website as being in the planning and analysis phase. The Ajax Mining Company's share capital was increased by $4.5 million in June 2026, according to Castanet. KGHM's 2025 activities report says work last year focused on environmental monitoring and developing a restoration concept for historic mining facilities at the site.
Stamer told Castanet that faster approvals should not come at the cost of environmental protections. "We are not going to be backing off on standards just to try to try to make a quick buck. That is not on the table," he said.
What was promised
The Conservative Party of BC's 2026 platform, on page 16, includes a promise to make BC the fastest place in North America to permit a mine or LNG plant, with a public report on progress each year. The same page promises to work with First Nations and industry to move new mines and major projects from proposal to decision faster, with clear standards and timelines. You can see both promises in the tracker at /bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-fastest-mine-lng-permits and /bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-major-projects-faster-decisions.
Milobar told Castanet the focus is likely to be on mining proposals already working through regulatory processes, rather than ones previously rejected.
For the full picture of which mining and resource promises the incoming government has made, visit the promise tracker.
Questions this story answers
What did Kamloops MLAs say about the Ajax mine?
Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre, told Castanet on November 5, 2026 that he has not heard anything about the Ajax mine being remotely considered and believes the project would have a long road ahead before getting any approvals. Ward Stamer, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, said he has no position on Ajax and would need to wait and see whether it is ever brought forward again.
What is the Ajax mine?
The Ajax project is a proposed open-pit copper and gold mine on a property south of Aberdeen, in Kamloops. It was developed by KGHM, a Polish mining company, and Abacus Mining and Exploration. Provincial and federal regulators rejected the mine in 2017 following environmental reviews, partly because of its proximity to residential neighbourhoods and schools. The partners revived the project in 2020, and Ajax remains listed on KGHM's website as being in the planning and analysis phase.
What has the incoming BC Conservative government promised about mining?
Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson's platform promises to make BC the fastest place in North America to permit a mine or LNG plant, and to move new mines and major projects from proposal to decision faster by working with First Nations and industry and setting clear timelines. Those promises are on page 16 of the Conservative Party of BC's 2026 platform.
Why was the Ajax mine rejected in 2017?
Provincial and federal regulators rejected the Ajax mine in 2017 following environmental reviews. The mine's proximity to residential neighbourhoods and schools in Aberdeen was described by Castanet as a major factor in the decision to deny environmental approval. Ajax remains controversial in Kamloops, with supporters pointing to economic benefits and opponents warning of environmental harm.
Is Ajax still a going concern?
KGHM and Abacus Mining revived Ajax in 2020. As of 2026, Ajax is still listed on KGHM's website as being in the planning and analysis phase. The Ajax Mining Company's share capital was increased by $4.5 million in June 2026, and KGHM's 2025 activities report says work last year focused on environmental monitoring and developing a restoration concept for the site.
What can I find out about the Conservative government's mining promises?
You can see the Conservative government's mining and resource promises in the promise tracker at /bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-fastest-mine-lng-permits and /bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-major-projects-faster-decisions.
Did Ward Stamer say environmental standards would change?
No. Stamer told Castanet that faster approvals should not come at the cost of environmental protections. "We are not going to be backing off on standards just to try to try to make a quick buck. That is not on the table," he said in the report published on November 5, 2026.
Which mining projects does Peter Milobar expect the government to focus on?
Milobar told Castanet the focus is likely to be on mining proposals already working through regulatory processes, rather than ones that were rejected before. Stamer said other projects in the province would be approved faster than "even a suggestion of Ajax proposal."
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- Castanet Kamloops: Kamloops MLAs doubt Ajax will resurface under new B.C. Conservative governmentcastanetkamloops.net
- Conservative Party of BC 2026 platform, page 16conservativebc.ca
Found an error? Tell the editors with the corrections form. A correction is noted on the story it changes. Read our standards.
Topics
More from voche.me
