Fully Gold Production Imminent: Fully Funded, Government Inspections Passed, and Water Treatment Plant Completed
By Jamie Hyland, MiningIR
July 18, 2025
On July 9, 2025, Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (CSE: BLLG | OTC: BLAGF | FSE: 7BL), together with its respected partners from the Lake Babine Nation, celebrated the official opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine — a major milestone marking the Company’s transition from acquisition to production readiness in just five years. The on-site ceremony, held on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lake Babine Nation, brought together Indigenous leaders, company management, directors, dignitaries, investors, media, and members of the local community — including MLA Sharon Hartwell, MP Ellis Ross, and Mayor of Smithers Gladys Atrill.
Led by President & CEO Rana Vig, the event commemorated the transition from exploration to near-term gold production and underscored Blue Lagoon’s commitment to environmental responsibility, Indigenous partnership, and technical excellence. Mr. Vig highlighted the dedication of the company’s team, the vital role of its investor base, and the respectful collaboration with Lake Babine Nation as key pillars of the project’s success. More than a ribbon-cutting, the ceremony embodied a new standard for responsible mining in British Columbia, one rooted in transparency, community, and long-term shared value.
The official opening started on July 8th with a tour of the underground workings led by key members of the Blue Lagoon technical team: Bill Cronk, Chief Geologist; Roy Edvardsen, Mine Manager; and Wayne Kindrat, Underground Mining Specialist. Notably, Kindrat began working in the region at age 10 with his father and mother at the Cronin Mine and has played a pivotal role in Dome Mountain’s development across multiple decades, including the current ramp rehabilitation and drift upgrades.
Media and dignitaries tour the underground workings at Dome Mountain on July 8, gaining a firsthand look at Blue Lagoon Resources’ newly operational gold mine.
On Day Two of the celebration, July 9, a highlight of the event was the opening ceremony led by members of the Lake Babine Nation, on who’s traditional and unceded territory the Dome Mountain Project resides. The ceremony was hosted by Yannis Tsitos, Blue Lagoon advisor and Chair of the Mining Committee, a veteran with over 35 years of global mining experience. Having worked closely with Blue Lagoon’s leadership for over five years, Tsitos welcomed guests, introduced members of the Lake Babine Nation, and reflected on the journey from early vision to execution.
Yannis Tsitos commented, “The creativity of the technical team that has designed the mining operation for the Boulder vein in several technical aspects, the easiness and simplicity of the actual mining operation, our high standards in the protection of the physical environment and the water resources of the vicinity of the Dome Mountain mine and most importantly the excellent relationship the Company has built with the Lake Babine First Nation and overall in the Smithers communities. We have seen overwhelming support from all of them, and we would like in any opportunity we find to thank them for this.”
The ceremony officially began with a prayer led by Hereditary Chief, Herbert William, grounding the gathering in cultural and spiritual tradition. This was followed by heartfelt remarks from Lake Babine Council Member and Hereditary Chief, Fabian Michel, who spoke about the cultural significance of the land and the Nation’s role as its long-time steward. The gathering was further enriched by drumming and traditional songs from the Nation’s four clans — Bear, Caribou, Beaver, and Frog — their voices and rhythms honoring ancestral presence. The Lake Babine Nation was proudly represented by nine Hereditary Chiefs and four Guardians, whose land stewardship efforts are rooted in traditional knowledge, cultural law, and science. These Guardians monitor water quality, protect wildlife habitat, and uphold sustainable land use — a mission closely aligned with Blue Lagoon’s long-term ESG commitments.
Lake Babine Council Member and Hereditary Chief Fabian Michel commented, “This is a proud day for Lake Babine Nation and for our people. I raise my hands to Rana Vig and Blue Lagoon Resources for being a true partner — for respecting our protocols and walking this path with us. I thank the members of our Nation who work at the mine, the staff who brought this project forward, and the investors who believed in this vision. And I want to say how much we appreciated the wonderful food today; it brought us together in the spirit of community and celebration.
I also want to recognize our Hereditary Chiefs and the Lake Babine Guardians, whose work to protect our lands and waters reflects both traditional knowledge and science. Hearing the drum songs of our four clans — Bear, Caribou, Beaver, and Frog — filled my heart. This mine is more than a project; it is a relationship, one that honours the footsteps of our ancestors who walked this mountain before us. If we care for it with honour and understanding, it will guide us and future generations forward.”
Members of Lake Babine Nation lead a traditional drumming ceremony at Dome Mountain, honoring the land and marking the mine’s official opening.
Closing the ceremony, President & CEO Rana Vig addressed the audience, expressing deep gratitude to the Lake Babine Nation for their trust and partnership. He thanked the Nation’s members who work at the mine, the staff who brought the project forward, and the investors who believed in the shared vision. He also offered heartfelt thanks to his wife, Rupa, and their two sons, Arvind and Akash, for putting up with him on this endeavour, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout the journey. Vig emphasized that the Dome Mountain Project is not only a step toward gold production but a reflection of what can be achieved through respect, collaboration, and long-term shared value.
President & CEO Rana Vig reflected, “The real turning point was when we won the trust and confidence of the Lake Babine Nation. That relationship changed everything. In a province like British Columbia, where responsible development depends on First Nations support, nothing moves forward without true partnership. Once we aligned on shared values—especially around environmental stewardship, water quality, and respect for the land—it created a path forward that wasn’t just about getting a permit, but about building something sustainable.
From that point on, we weren’t pushing against resistance—we were moving with momentum. Their support helped unlock the permit, and their continued involvement helped us keep things on track. That gave me the conviction to tell my team: we’re going to get this mine into production. And we did.”
The two-day event celebrated a number of significant milestones that highlight Blue Lagoon Resources’ progress toward near-term production and responsible mining practices.
One of the key achievements was the successful completion of a state-of-the-art water treatment plant and settling pond, a cornerstone of the company’s environmental management strategy. The system was designed by Soren Jensen, a chemical engineer and principal environmental consultant with SRK Consulting. It features a High-Density Sludge (HDS) circuit and a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR), engineered to effectively treat ammonia and nitrates generated by blasting activities. This robust infrastructure ensures Blue Lagoon remains compliant with water quality standards while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Dome Mountain’s new water treatment plant and settling pond highlight Blue Lagoon’s commitment to responsible, environmentally conscious mining.
Another major milestone was the successful completion of all required government inspections, including those related to water discharge and broader environmental compliance — a critical step in advancing to full production.
Finally, the Company enters this next phase on a fully funded path to production, backed by strategic investors such as Crescat Capital LLC. In addition, its toll milling partnership with Nicola Mining Inc. has already enabled the processing of the first shipments of high-grade gold material, demonstrating operational readiness and early-stage execution.
Following the speeches, attendees shared a warm and welcoming catered lunch, a moment of connection and community under the chilly summer sky. Afterward, everyone gathered at the adits portal for a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Wayne Kindrat and Rana Vig. A 30-foot ribbon, held proudly by company team members and Lake Babine Nation representatives, symbolized the strength of the partnership and the long journey to this day. The celebration continued with a ceremonial cake cutting led by Chief Geologist and Project Manager Bill Cronk, a joyful, symbolic moment that brought together years of dedication, collaboration, and shared purpose, marking the closure of an unforgettable day at the mine site.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dome Mountain, led by Wayne Kindrat and Rana Vig, marks the official opening of the mine on July 9, 2025.
The festivities concluded in Smithers with a community dinner and a recorded message from Honourable Jagrup Brar, BC’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, who commended Blue Lagoon’s leadership and the project’s success in navigating British Columbia’s regulatory landscape.
Honourable Jagrup Brar, British Columbia’s Minister for Mining and Critical Minerals, stated: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rana Vig and the entire Blue Lagoon Resources team on the official opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine. This milestone is a significant achievement for Blue Lagoon, the Lake Babine Nation, and British Columbia’s mining sector as a whole. The opening of Dome Mountain brings new investment, well-paying jobs, and renewed confidence in the future of responsible resource development in our province. It reflects our shared commitment to sustainable development that respects the environment, uplifts Indigenous and local communities, and supports the global shift to a clean economy. Thank you for your leadership, your dedication, and your investment in B.C. Together, you are helping build a stronger, more prosperous future for all British Columbians.”
After dinner, Bill Cronk, who has played an instrumental role in advancing the project since 2020, shared his reflections on the journey and reintroduced President & CEO Rana Vig. In his closing remarks, Vig expressed heartfelt thanks to his family, the geological and engineering teams, the Lake Babine Nation, the Company’s shareholders and financial backers, Nicola Mining, and all stakeholders who contributed to bringing the Dome Mountain project to life.
“We are especially grateful to all our investors, institutional investor partners who believed in this project from the very beginning — including those who travelled from Toronto, Vancouver, and across Canada, as well as from Munich, Germany, Denver, Colorado, and South Carolina, USA,” said Rana Vig, President & CEO of Blue Lagoon Resources. “This milestone belongs to all of us — and the best is yet to come. We’re just getting started”
Dome Mountain is now one of only seven metallic mines permitted in British Columbia in the last decade — a rare achievement in a province known for rigorous permitting. From Blue Lagoon’s acquisition of Metal Mountain Resources Inc. in March 2020, to the issuance of a full mining permit in February 2025, the project demonstrates the power of strategic execution, transparent governance, and long-term community partnerships.
In the next 60 days Blue Lagoon will now move into its production phase with strong momentum and a vision for continued exploration, growth, and responsible development.
