This week's rejection of Taseko's (TSX:TKO) proposed New Prosperity gold and copper mine project near Williams Lake has been lauded as a win by some, including First Nations groups, but not everyone is happy with the decision.
Professional organizations, including the Mining Association of BC (MABC), are speaking out against the federal government’s decision to once again turn down the company’s plan to build an open pit mine near Fish Lake.
“The project represents a generational opportunity for the local residents, providing long-term, well-paying, community-supporting jobs in an area devastated by the mountain pine beetle epidemic’s impact on the forestry industry,” said MABC president and CEO Karina Briño.
“As the largest private sector employer of First Nations in British Columbia, mining represents significant potential for Aboriginal youth in the Cariboo-Chicotin, offering high quality jobs close to home for Williams Lake and surround communities. It is a missed opportunity for the people and province of B.C.”
The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce has also been vocal about its opposition to the decision, saying the project would have supported thousands of jobs around the Cariboo region and tens of thousands around B.C. In addition, it would have benefited supply chains around the entire province.
John Winter, president and CEO of the chamber, described the decision as “catastrophic,” and not just for the region, saying it sends a bad message about Canada as far as attracting investment.
“With several pivotal resource project decisions ahead in 2014 in B.C., a negative decision on New Prosperity sends a chill through the investment climate in B.C. and beyond,” Winter said.
“Government at every level needs to ensure that investors overseas are reassured that B.C. and Canada remain investment destinations of choice.”
The Canadian Environment Assessment Agency had issued a report October 31 that said Taseko’s proposal would cause significant environmental damage. Taseko challenged this report, saying the agency had used faulty information. Gavin Dirom, president and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia, agreed with Taseko.
“We are concerned that this decision is primarily based on the recommendation of the independent federal review panel, which may not have reviewed or included all of the best available scientific evidence in reaching its conclusions,” Dirom said.
Representatives of First Nations groups, including Tsilquot’in’s Joe Alphonse have lauded the rejection of the project. Alphonse called it a win for his people and said the mine would have affected the Tsilquot’in’s ability to continue its traditional way of life.
Taseko said it plans to move forward with a judicial review relating to the decision.
- with files from the Prince George Citizen
