VANCOUVER – Ecojustice lawyers will be appearing in the Federal Court of Appeal today on behalf of MiningWatch Canada, to intervene in a case that will determine the future of Taseko’s proposed New Prosperity mine project.
Jamie Kneen, communications and outreach coordinator at MiningWatch Canada, and Olivia French, Ecojustice lawyer, are available for comment on the issue.
If built, the open-pit gold and copper mine would be located on the traditional territory of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, in close proximity to Fish Lake, which is known as Teztan Biny in Tŝilhqot’in. A federal review panel previously found that the mine would have harmful effects on the lake, which is sacred to the Tŝilhqot’in, including impacts on fish and fish habitat, current use of lands and resources for traditional purpose, and on Tŝilhqot’in cultural heritage.
On behalf of MiningWatch Canada, Ecojustice is intervening to uphold the panel’s precautionary approach. The panel found that Taseko failed to provide enough information during the review about how it would address major environmental concerns, and that the mine project would likely have several significant environmental effects.
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Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity, goes to court and uses the power of the law to defend nature, combat climate change, and fight for a healthy environment for all.
MiningWatch Canada is committed to supporting communities affected by mining and changing public policy and mining practices to ensure the health of individuals, communities and ecosystems.