Read this story from the Winnipeg Free Press on Taseko Mines’ plans to begin work on its proposed Prosperity Mine in Tsilhqot’in First Nations territory west of Williams Lake, as an injunction prohibiting work has been lifted. (March 6, 2012)
VANCOUVER – Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSX:TKO) says it will begin exploration work at the New Prosperity site in B.C.’s central interior after a court overturned an injunction brought by the Tsilhqot’in First Nation.
Taseko said Tuesday that the injunction, granted in December, was vacated by court order.
The mining company said it plans to begin preliminary work on Tuesday to obtain information it needs in advance of a federal environmental assessment.
The company has 12 months to complete the necessary work at the site needed for a second federal government environmental process, but has said the band refused to allow workers on the land.
The First Nation wanted the court to keep the mining firm out of its territory, preventing it from doing any work until the B.C. Appeal Court rules on the band’s case involving aboriginal title in certain claim areas.
Tsilhqot’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste has said the B.C. government simply rubber stamped Taseko’s permits and licences for the mine, without consulting with them as required.
The mine has a controversial history. The proposal for the $1.1-billion mine was approved by the B.C. government, but was rejected in a federal government environmental review in 2010.