Canada’s highest court has refused to hear an appeal from the Tsilhqot’in Nation regarding a drilling permit awarded in their territory.
An earlier BC Court of Appeal ruling had granted Taseko Mines permission to perform exploratory drilling in the Fish Lake area.
Taseko intends to proceed with their New Prosperity Gold and Copper Mine in the area, and the company says the drilling is to prove the Lake will not be harmed.
But the Tsilhqot’in say the land in question is a sacred area used for ceremonies and healing activities.
They also say the drilling includes hundred of test pits across a 76 kms stretch of road west of Williams Lake.
Members of the Nation say they will continue efforts to protect their land from the drilling.
The Supreme Court of Canada offered no reasons for its refusal to hear the appeal.
