The Land, the Water and the Work Behind the Assessment

Getting the assessment and baseline right starts with knowing what is there and that's why Surge works closely with specialist teams and with local government, First Nations, the public and regulators to build a baseline record of the existing environment. That record is what the assessment is measured against, and it is shaped by the values that members of the public, First Nations and regulators tell us matter.

The Berg Copper Project and its proposed transmission line are located within the territories of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and the Cheslatta Carrier Nation.

Surge Copper engages with the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, Witset First Nation, Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band and Cheslatta Carrier Nation, and is committed to respectful, ongoing engagement through every phase of the Project.

Hereditary and Elected Governance

Wet'suwet'en Nation governance includes both hereditary and elected structures and Surge engages transparently and collaboratively with both. In 2026, Surge began early work in establishing relationships around field studies, baseline programs and the federal and provincial assessments. Many of these field programs were successfully carried out in partnership with technicians and teams from the Office of the Wet'suwet'en and Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band working alongside qualified professionals. That shared approach is foundational to our ongoing work on this Project and Surge looks forward to continued participation of the First Nations.

How We Work

Our approach to engagement and consultation rests on transparency, early dialogue, working together, and seeking free, prior and informed consent. In practice that means talking about Project components while that input can guide or inform Project design and considerations, not after.

Wet’suwet’en Nation and Cheslatta Carrier Nation technicians, guardians and monitors have begun work alongside our consultants on baseline field programs in 2026. The information that goes into the assessment is intended to be reflective of what people who know this land provide by way of input. We are looking forward to the 2027 field program work together.

First Nations Knowledge in the Assessment

Cultural land use studies and traditional knowledge are part of the baseline work, gathered and used on terms set with each Nation. Where that knowledge is shared with us, it is held and used as the Nation requests.

Our Principles for Working with First Nations – Our engagement approach is centred on building lasting, respectful relationships and meaningful participation throughout Project planning and the environmental assessment process. Key principles include:

Early and Genuine Collaboration – Engaging and working with First Nations early in Project design and development, to allow decisions to be shaped by that engagement.

Recognition of Rights and Seeking Free, Prior, and Informed Consent – We listen to understand. We take seriously the recognition of Indigenous rights and interests; supporting meaningful engagement before Project decisions are taken.

Respect for Cultural Integrity – Respecting the distinct cultures, values, and teachings of First Nations and being grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.

Fulfilling Consultation and Accommodation Obligations – Meeting our obligations to consult, engage, and accommodate, because that is the right foundation for the Project.

Ongoing Cultural Learning – Understanding the history, relationships, and knowledge systems of the First Nations we work alongside is the work of every member of our team.

Transparent Partnership – Open and transparent partnership with First Nations, engaging on the economic aspirations and opportunities that the Project can realize and support.

Studies Underway:

  • Water quality and quantity for both surface and groundwater
  • Lake Surveys
  • Fish and fish habitat
  • Wildlife
  • Vegetation and terrestrial ecology
  • Acid rock drainage and metal leaching
  • Tailing storage and alternatives assessment
  • Transmission line routing alternatives
  • Weather and climate
  • Air quality
  • Noise
  • Visual language
  • Rock characterization, geotechnical and geothermal
  • Cultural land use and traditional knowledge
  • Socio-economic
  • Archaeology
  • Human health

Contact

Project Inquiries:
[email protected]

Phone:
+1 604 718 5454

Toll Free:
1 888 500 4587

Community Office:
Suite 202-1245 Main St.,
Smithers, BC

Media:
+1 604 639 3852