The panel review process for the Kemess North Mine project has been extended.

Application for the extension was made to allow  an extra 90 days to be added to the  hearing period and that the Panel have the ability to add up to 45 more days if  more hearings need to be held.

The extra time was requested so parties could resolve outstanding issues related to First Nations participation in the Panel process, and for First Nations to prepare additional evidence and submissions.

Northgate Minerals Corporation wants to develop the Kemess North copper and gold deposit, 250 km northeast of Smithers. The proposed Project would be located 6 km north of its existing Kemess Mine, which is projected to close in late 2009. The Project includes development of a new open pit, modification of the existing mill, and related infrastructure. It would result in present day milling capacity at the operating Kemess mine being increased from the current 55,000 tonnes per day to up to 120,000 tonnes per day.