Despite confirmation of a second prospective proposal by Taseko Mines Ltd. for Prosperity mine that could save Fish Lake, the Tsilhqot’in National Government remains steadfastly opposed to a new project.
“The right decision was made and it would be fruitless to look at this project again,” Tsilhqot’in National Government Chief Joe Alphonse said in a press release.
“The region needs to come up with alternative ways to economically diversify and to work with First Nations to achieve this.”
Chief Marilyn Baptiste, Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, too expressed doubt over Taseko’s potential change of plan.
“Taseko said all the way through the process that the only way to get at the gold was to destroy Teztan Biny and the surrounding watershed.
“How can it be, after so many years of doggedly saying there was no other way to drain and destroy our sacred lake, that they suddenly have a new way forward?”
Baptiste further charged that Taseko worked with the province and mine supporters after the Nov. 2 federal rejection without consulting First Nations.
“We did receive a letter in January from the company’s president suggesting a meeting but this was after the fact.”
