The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday, May 17, edition that British Columbia is set to become a key mining destination for Newmont, as it signed an agreement on May 15 to take over Australia's Newcrest Mining. The Post's Naimul Karim writes that the agreement, which is subject to shareholder approval, will increase Newmont's presence in B.C.'s "Golden Triangle," which has been a favourite of prospectors seeking gold and copper since the 19th century. Nearly 150 mines have operated in the region over that time. Newmont was already in the process of developing the Saddle North and Galore Creek copper-gold deposits that are located in the area. After acquiring Newcrest, Newmont will inherit the Red Chris and Brucejack mines that produce gold, silver and copper. Newmont's chief executive officer, Tom Palmer, said on May 15 that he expects the transaction to "significantly strengthen Newmont's position in Canada" by combining the projects in the Golden Triangle. "Newmont will be operating for decades to come," he said. Mr. Palmer singled out the Red Chris mine, indicating that he expects it will anchor Newmont's operations in B.C. and that the mine will have a "very, very long" operating life.