Tsilhqot’in Nation, Taseko and province strike consent-based agreement on mining activity at New Prosperity site
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — A gesture of goodwill was made between the Tsilhqot’in Nation and Taseko Mines after more than a decade of conflict regarding a proposed mine site.
In a news release issued Thursday (June 5), Tsilhqot’in states it has reached an agreement with Taseko and the B.C. government that any mining activity in the Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) area requires the consent of the First Nation.
“For over three decades, we’ve had conflict in the Teẑtan area,” Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Roger William stated. “Now we are turning the page. Tŝilhqot’in consent is protected: there is no longer the threat of exploration or mining without our consent. I hold my hands up to everyone that worked hard over the past five years to achieve this historic agreement that reflects true reconciliation, including the province and [Taseko]. This is a time to celebrate for our people and honour all those who made this resolution possible.”
In 2014, the federal Ministry of Environment rejected Taseko’s proposed New Prosperity mine project, an open pit gold and copper mine, after a review panel of experts determined the mine would have significant negative impacts on water quality, fisheries and Tsilhqot’in heritage.
