Surge Copper Corp. has advanced its 100%-owned Berg Copper Project in central British Columbia into the formal environmental assessment process following the acceptance of its Initial Project Description by provincial and federal regulators.

The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada accepted the submission on September 16, 2026, following its submission on September 9. This formally opens the early engagement phase for the provincial review and the planning phase for the federal impact assessment.

The project enters this process following a Pre-Feasibility Study completed earlier this year, which outlined an after-tax net present value of C$4.6 billion at an 8% discount rate and an after-tax internal rate of return of 24% over an approximately 28-year mine life.

Surge Copper has been working with Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs, supported by the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, as well as elected Chiefs and Councils of several First Nations in preparation for the assessment. The company previously entered into a Communications and Engagement Agreement with the Office of the Wet’suwet’en and the Thin House of the Gilseyhu Clan regarding engagement protocols, and the Office of the Wet’suwet’en is supporting participating Hereditary Chiefs in developing a First Nation-led assessment process.

“Acceptance of the IPD represents an important milestone for Berg and formally moves the Project into the environmental assessment process. Berg is entering environmental assessment from a strong technical foundation following completion of the PFS earlier this year, while substantial environmental baseline, engineering, and engagement programs continue.” — Leif Nilsson, Chief Executive Officer

During the early engagement and planning phases, the EAO and IAAC will engage with First Nations, government agencies, local communities, and the public to identify key issues and information requirements for subsequent assessment stages. Surge Copper intends to support a coordinated provincial and federal assessment process, including the potential substitution of the federal impact assessment process to British Columbia, subject to applicable regulatory processes and government decisions.

Read the full announcement: Surge Copper Commences Environmental Assessment Process for Berg Copper Project