Artemis Gold’s Blackwater mine at final commissioning stage
Artemis now expects to feed first ore to the ball mill in the next few weeks and continues to target first gold pour before year end.
Another mining company has run up against the Tsilhqot’in First Nation, whose aboriginal title to land in its traditional territory were recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Tsilhqot’in have sent cease and desist letters to the B.C. government and Amarc Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:AHR) over drilling that was to take place within what the Tsilhqot’in say is unceded Tsilhqot’in land.
Exploratory drilling was to take place by Amarc in the Upper Taseko region. Amarc is a junior exploration and development company focused on gold, copper and silver.
In a press release, Chief Roger William of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government, said both the province and Amarc had failed to properly consult with the Tsilhqot’in.
“Amarc Resources committed in writing to consult early with our communities if they planned any activities,” William said. “Instead we received a letter that arrived the same day the drills were being deployed. This is not consultation.
“Had Amarc Resources bothered to knock on our doors before beginning, they would have learned that this area is considered highly sensitive to our communities,” William said.
“This is close to Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and only a few kilometres outside of the original court claim area and our declaration of proven aboriginal rights. We have serious concerns about mineral exploration in this area, so Amarc may be wasting its money and its investor’s money by pursuing this exploration program.”
Fish Lake is the same lake that Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSX:TKO) wants to use for tailings for the New Prosperity mine.
Taseko’s mine proposal has been rejected twice by the federal minister of Environment, although Taseko has asked for a judicial review of the decisions.
Meanwhile, in a recent landmark ruling, the Tsilhqot’in became the first aboriginal group in Canada to have its title to traditional land confirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Both Taseko’s and Amarc’s mine projects lie outside the area to which the court said the Tsilhqot’in had proven title. However, both are within the area to which the First Nations has rights to hunt and trap.
Amarc Resources could not be reached for comment.
