A peaceful protest by Tsilhqot’in members opposed to exploratory drilling in their territories has achieved its goal, at least for now.
Nation members gathered 57 kms west of Williams Lake early yesterday morning to intercept Taseko work vehicles.
Taseko Mines Limited, the proponents of the proposed New Prosperity Gold and Copper mine, had planned to begin moving in equipment yesterday.
They hold provincial permits to conduct exploratory drilling over a nearly 70 km stretch of Tsilhqot’in territory.
Multiple attempts to appeal the permits in both provincial and federal courts have turned up empty for the Nation.
They say they are being respectful as possible in their attempts to stall the project, which would see more than 100 test pits drilled on land they consider sacred.
A brief stand-off occured when Taseko crews arrived, but it remained a peaceful conversation and they eventually left without conflict.
There has been no word on what steps Taseko plans to take now.
