The Sun News Network reports, “With only a month left to make a decision, Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq is refusing to answer questions about how she’ll deal with the proposed New Prosperity gold-copper mine in central B.C. Aglukkaq has until Feb. 28 to decide whether Taseko Mines should be allowed to apply for permits to build the mine, following an October environmental assessment that concluded the New Prosperity tailings pond would leak pollution.”
Also, “Taseko has asked the Federal Court to review the actions of federal scientists who contributed to the negative environmental assessment of New Prosperity. (Taseko Mines vice-president Brian) Battison said a decision is likely several months away, and isn’t expected before Aglukkaq will have to issue her opinion on the project.”
Additionally, a Supreme Court of Canada ruling on the Tsilhqot’in Nation’s case for a ‘declaration of title’ to its territory is expected sometime between April and June. If granted, that declaration of title would effectively prohibit the mine.
But the Harper government’s decision is likely to come before the Supreme Court ruling.
The Prince George Citizen has reported, “(Federal environment minister Leona) Aglukkaq must determine if she thinks the mine will pose a significant environmental risk. If she rules that it will cause environmental damage then Aglukkaq and her cabinet colleagues must decide if those risks are worth sacrificing when weighed against the economic benefits the mine could bring to the region, province and country. The cabinet could rule that the benefits outweigh the risks and that Taseko should be given a certificate to proceed to the detailed design phase of the project or it could stop the mine in its tracks by denying a certificate.”
The Council of Canadians continues to stand with the Tsilhqot’in Nation. We have spoken against the mine at both panel hearings, intervened at the Supreme Court in support of their Title claim, and provided solidarity in numerous other ways.
The Globe and Mail has noted, “If the (federal government’s) decision does not go their way, the Tsilhqot’in say they will physically block construction of the mine. ‘We have done everything we can,’ (Chief Roger) William said, ‘but, if that’s not enough, our people are going to take action.'”
Further reading
Taseko Mines files injunction against federal review panel findings
Tsilhqot’in Nation asserts Title at Supreme Court of Canada
