Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
Just two days after BC business groups gathered in Vancouver to declare their support for Taseko’s (TSE:TKO) New Prosperity project, mine opponents staged their own gathering.
Dozens of protesters blocked downtown Vancouver’s busiest street at noon on Friday and marched to Taseko headquarters where police officers were stationed in the lobby.
In a press release issued Friday morning, members of the Tsilhqot’in first nation community stated their intent to organize a “flash mob” to demonstrate their opposition to the New Prosperity copper-gold mine in British Columbia’s Williams Lake region.
The protest comes at a critical time for the New Prosperity mine. BC Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett is currently in Ottawa trying to convince federal law makers to approve the mine.
Opponents of the project claim that the mine would pollute Williams Lake and endanger fish populations. Taseko says that the environmental review panel which drew these conclusions was looking at the wrong tailings facility design.
The Federal government is currently assessing the $1.5 billion project.
11 Comments
WLishome
Williams Lame? Nice…
Ben
1.5 billion investment in BC, jobs, local business opportunities and still people can’t believe that in now days companies don’t want to pollute the environment. If Taseko have investors to build this mine with the current gold and copper price they are very lucky.
KDM
Not in my back yard? Why does these natives have all the answers? Wonder where they think all their funding comes from? Anything that is positive and will create jobs they are against,simply because they dont want to work and build a future for themselves. This day and age mining and oil companies arent running rampant polluting every stream or lake, tey have strict environmental rules to follow otherwise they are out of business. Let the natives go back and live off the land as they say LOL good luck to them on that.
Resource worker
I slowly realize that there is no need to panic. The resources, mineral, oil, gas and pipelines will be built. Sometimes there is so much superficial noise against, that you start thinking maybe our economy is facing serious trouble. But no. In the end common sense, greed, votes ect will prevail and we will prosper. It doesn’t matter that “big oil” the “1%er’s” ect will make more then the workers. It only matters that the workers make money too. After all the only thing we invest is a lunch bucket at best. Big Oil invests billions of dollars.
Steve
Forest ind. is about to collapse in this area, not many kids playing in neighbourhoods anymore , young generation should have good jobs and become the tax base, not selling coffee to tourist. We do not need them to become another burden. Environmental precautions seem to be in place. Skill trades need apprentices to grow the province , these projects are best way to increase trades. The future of this province should be growth with reasonable environmental precautions What we need is are solutions to grow this province not “no Sayers ” they are only concerned with Thier own agendas rather than than the whole. We need to move to finnancial security not collapse. This way we all benifit. In my opinion the only solution is to grow this province quickly with reasonable precautions. This project is a no brainier . Note, taseko, as of 2 wk.s ago is starting to invest in the u.s. They can’t sit on this money without being taxed to death and it seems that they my walk way. This would leave this area as a burden to all. I neigther work in mines or forest ind. but do consider myself having a little common sence . In 100 yr.s or so no one should even know there was a mine there.
lik copper
Won’t pollute ‘williams’ lake, but all this time they have known they will kill ‘fish’ lake. Plus the run off from their rather leaky tailings pond plans. Remember when they said they could use ‘fish lake’ as their tailings pond? Well the replacement is the new mine pit at 28 years as the mine closes. Also include the 28 year diversion of the creek that feeds Fish lake, as it’s in the pits way.
They should just go to the yellowhead Harper creek mine they have 17% ownership in(shares). Top of the mountain and no nasty runoff scenarios.
Guest
Pull the plu
Yukon78
Pull the plug on all the Government and Foundations ( Sirrea Club, Tides Foundation, Susuki Foundation) that finance the Tsilhquot’n First Nation and they will have a different outlook on Taseka’s Mining project. The First Nations Chiefs and Elders should be working with Taseko in securing good paying jobs for the First Nations youth rather than going around stamping their feet. Its about time these First Nation Leaders started to think about their people than lining their own pockets. If the shoe fits wear it.
MKS802
I appreciate that the First Nations and environmental groups have pressured mining companies to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. Having said that I wish that FN citizens and environmental groups would see the advantages brought by being involved in a proactive, participatory manner such as opportunities to educate the public about environmental and FN issues, future participation in development and conservation, opportunities for FN employment and benefits, and a brighter sustainable future for FN children.
frankinca
I think I’ll hop a plane to Vancouver and start a flash mob of Taseko’s supporters. Like the sierra Club in the US, these sub-minority of tribes people try to gain control of a situation be “saving the environment” that is being brought to the 21st century. and providing real people with a better standard of living. Financially, health-wise and life purpose-wise for those who are the legacy gainers of the improvements.
WakeUP
ppl need jobs, eco need to grow, plz approve this project and every benefit. As the Taseko already promise they will not harm the environment with the new plan, what else you need? You got a gold mine, and why not put it in good use?