The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is heading back to court in an attempt to halt a mine drilling program in the heart of its territory west of Williams Lake.
Earlier this month, the BC Court of Appeal ruled in favour of a permit allowing Taseko Mines to clear 76 kilometres of road, make 122 drill holes, and excavate 367 test pits in a spiritually and culturally significant area.
Taseko hopes to move forward with the work in order to find a way to advance its twice rejected gold and copper mine proposal.
The Tŝilhqot’in will seek a further injunction from the BC Court of Appeal to stop the program while they seek leave to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Nation says Taseko intends begin the drilling program March 19, despite a request from the Tŝilhqot’in to hold off until the injunction hearing.
The Tŝilhqot’in are calling on supporters to join them for a rally at the BC Court of Appeal before the hearing on March 22nd, World Water Day.
