Taseko files lawsuit against Ottawa over B.C. gold and copper mine decision
VANCOUVER — Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSX: TKO) is suing the federal government in B.C. Supreme Court and seeking unspecified compensation for a 2014 decision that blocked development of a proposed $1.5 billion gold and copper deposit.
The Vancouver-based company claims that the government and its agents — including the environment minister at the time — failed to meet their legal duties to Taseko when they blocked the New Prosperity project.
Taseko also alleges, among other things, that its property was effectively expropriated without compensation when a federal cabinet decision on Feb. 25, 2014, made its mineral rights essentially worthless.
The company didn’t say how much money it’s seeking through the lawsuit, filed in the provincial court, but said its seeking general and punitive damages, plus interest, and any other relief that the court may choose.