On October 31, 2013, Canada’s Federal Environmental Review Panel submitted an extensive report with their major findings regarding Taseko’s plan to mitigate adverse impacts of the “New Prosperity” gold-copper mine, a project proposed on the lands of the Tsilhqot’in First Nation. Weeks earlier, the Panel heard considerable testimony from members of the Tsilhqot’in community. The Panel was required to review information presented by Indigenous groups in British Columbia. Critical of Taseko’s plan, the Panel’s conclusions do not bode well for Taseko, who resubmitted their plans for the mine after being rejected in 2010.
In the report, the Panel concludes that constructing the “New Prosperity” Mine would have a range of negative impacts to the environment and Indigenous communities. In particular, the findings show that Teztan Biny or Fish Lake would be significantly impacted. Identified as a vital cultural, environmental, and economic resource to the Tsilhqot’in people, Fish Lake’s fate is directly tied to the fate of the Indigenous group. The Panel found that the “New Prosperity” Mine would result in significant adverse effect on the Tsilhqot’in current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, cultural heritage, and archaeological and historical resources. Additionally, the Panel identified adverse impacts on Indigenous tourism, the ability of Indigenous people to harvest food, and the Esk’etemc Community Forest.
The Canadian Federal government has up to 120 days to make a final decision regarding Taseko’s plan. Due to the critical findings of the report, it is expected that history will repeat itself—that the proposed “New Prosperity” Mine will be struck down.
Learn more about our campaign Canada: Save Teztan Biny (Fish Lake)—Again!
