A new environmental report concluding a mine proposal poses “significant adverse environmental effects” was declared a victory by First Nation Indigenous leaders in Canada’s Pacific coast province of British Columbia (B.C.).
Established by Canada’s federal minister of the environment, the panel was examining an open pit gold and copper mine proposed by Taseko Mines Ltd.
In its report released Thursday (October 31), the panel concluded: “The Panel concludes that the New Prosperity Project would result in several significant adverse environmental effects; the key ones being effects on water quality in Fish Lake (Teztan Biny), on fish and fish habitat in Fish Lake, on current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by certain Aboriginal groups, and on their cultural heritage. The Panel also concludes there would be a significant adverse cumulative effect on the South Chilcotin grizzly bear population, unless necessary cumulative effects mitigation measures are effectively implemented.”
“The panel listened to us and formally determined the project would ‘adversely affect’ the title and rights for the Tsilhqot’in and Secwepemc. What a win for us,” said Marilyn Baptiste, secretary-treasurer of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
In a statement released Friday, Taseko says “we strongly disagree with the panel’s findings related to the potential impact on the water quality, fish and fish habitat of Fish Lake. Taseko will challenge these findings as they contradict best practices in place around the world today and expert opinion and analysis.”
The recommendations of the panel are not binding, and the final decision on whether the project will receive an environmental certificate to proceed is up to Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
More information:
CBC News – First Nations declare victory against Taseko’s B.C. mine – here
Vancouver Sun – Federal panel finds ‘significant’ flaws in Taseko’s New Prosperity mine proposal – here
Vancouver Sun – Taseko shares fall after review offers critical view of B.C. mine proposal – here
Taseko Statement on Panel Report – here
Tsilhqot’in website – www.tsilhqotin.ca
R.A.V.E.N. – When a win is not a win – here
Report of the Federal Review Panel – New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project (pdf) – here
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