A major mine drilling program won’t be going ahead in Tŝilhqot’in territory for now.
The B.C. Court of Appeal has granted an injunction against work by Taseko Mines until the Supreme Court of Canada decides whether it will hear an appeal of the permit.
The permit, issued by the outgoing B.C. Liberal Government in 2017, would allow the mining company to clear 76 kilometres of road, make 122 drill holes, and excavate 367 test pits in a culturally significant area west of Williams Lake.
Taseko hopes to move forward with the work in order to find a way to advance its twice rejected gold and copper mine proposal.
In a news release, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government says the Monday ruling emphasized that the appeal could raise important legal issues, as it would be the first time the high court addressed the Crown’s duties of consultation in the context of proven Aboriginal rights.
TNG Tribal Chair, Chief Joe Alphonse, says while they’re relieved with the injunction, they want the Supreme Court of Canada to hear the appeal and affirm that proven Aboriginal rights must be taken seriously.
