The Strathcona Standard

2026-01-22: Islands northeast of Campbell River are being eyed for their potential to provide essential minerals for a growing high tech industry.

The Redonda Islands could hold a treasure trove of untapped wealth in the form of copper and molybdenum. The Vanguard Mining Corporation recently completed a test drilling program and now plans to spend $400,000 this year to secure a controlling interest over drilling rights. The company recently hired a professional geology firm to examine results from drilling at the site in 2023 and 2025, and to provide an update on the site’s potential.

“The drill campaign was designed to test targets beyond the limits of historical drilling and to further refine the geological model at Redonda,” said David Greenway, Vanguard CEO, in a January 16 news release.  

Mining giant Teck Resources Limited drilled test holes on West and East Redonda Islands in 1979, but never set up a mine. However, test results from 2023 are similar to to the 1979 results, and Vanguard is now working to confirm the numbers and assess the site for its modern mining potential. The 2023 numbers, collected by the previous rights holder, suggest a mine on site could be profitable if copper prices continue to increase.

The site also contains a potentially profitable source of molybdenum, which is widely used to make steel. It’s also used as a dry lubricant in high-temperature situations and also has uses in manufacturing semiconductors and electronics.

Vanguard says it has a letter of support from the Klahoose First Nation and recently concluded consultations with the Homalco First Nation.