The Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Taseko Mines and the province of British Columbia announced a long-awaited agreement in early June to resolve a dispute over Taseko’s mineral tenures for its New Prosperity copper-gold project. Under the agreement, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation will take an equity stake in those tenures and any future mineral exploration or mine development on them can proceed only if the Nation has given its consent.

The tenures are located roughly 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake, in the Teẑtan Biny (Fish Lake) area of Tŝilhqot’in territory.

Additionally, an agreement between the Tŝilhqot’in and provincial government requires that any mine in the Teẑtan area that is reviewable under the province’s environmental assessment act can proceed only with the Nation’s consent.

The dispute between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Taseko Mines centred on Taseko’s proposed New Prosperity mine, which the Tŝilhqot’in firmly opposed due to its threat to Teẑtan Biny, a place of deep cultural significance. Although federal environmental reviews rejected the project twice, Taseko continued to pursue legal challenges and exploratory activities, prompting strong resistance from the Tŝilhqot’in, who viewed these actions as violations of their rights and title.

“This agreement resolves a damaging and value-destructive dispute, and acknowledges Taseko’s commercial interests in the New Prosperity property and the cultural significance of the area to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation,” said Stuart McDonald, Taseko’s president and chief executive officer, in a June 5 press release.

“This is a historic moment for our people and for reconciliation in British Columbia and Canada,” said Lennon Solomon, Nits’ilʔin (Chief) of Yuneŝit’in (one of the six communities that are a part of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation), in the release. “It shows what is possible when we come together in the right spirit to resolve even the deepest conflict. I am honoured to be part of a resolution that finally respects Tŝilhqot’in rights and jurisdiction in the Teẑtan area, after a generation of conflict. I am grateful that we can move forward as Tŝilhqot’in in a positive way and put our energy and attention into our own priorities as a Nation.”

Taseko will retain a 77.5 per cent majority interest in the New Prosperity mineral tenures but may divest portions of this stake, including to other mining companies capable of advancing the project—provided they obtain the free, prior and informed consent of the Tŝilhqot’in. Any future development will be structured to ensure the Nation shares the benefits. Taseko has agreed not to serve as the proponent or operator of any future exploration or mining activities at the site. The agreement also terminated all litigation related to New Prosperity.

The B.C. government will pay Taseko $75 million upon closing of the agreement. In return, Taseko will transfer a 22.5 per cent equity interest in the mineral tenures to a trust established for the future benefit of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, should they choose to one day pursue development.

A history of the project

1965

Taseko acquired the Prosperity property largely on its promising mineral potential, even though only minimal drilling had been conducted at the time.

 2007

Taseko releases results of a feasibility study for the project.

2008

Both federal and provincial environmental assessment processes are launched for the project.

Jan. 2010

The Province of B.C. issued an environmental assessment certificate for development of the Prosperity mine.

Nov. 2010

The Canadian federal government officially denied the federal environmental assessment approval, inviting Taseko to resubmit with revisions addressing key concerns.

 Feb. 2011

Taseko submitted a revised project description to the federal government in 2011, renaming the project New Prosperity to reflect changes in its design.

June 2011

Taseko filed an application with B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office to amend its environmental assessment certificate to reflect the new project plan.

Feb. 2014

The federal government once again refused to grant authorization for Taseko to proceed with the project. Leona Aglukkaq, the federal environment minister at the time, determined the project was likely to result in significant adverse environmental effects that could not be mitigated. Taseko was invited to submit a revised proposal for further consideration.

July 2017

The B.C. government officially authorized Taseko to initiate a site investigation program to conduct exploratory work at New Prosperity, issuing a multi-year notice of work permit under the BC Mines Act. Soon after, the Tŝilhqot’in filed a lawsuit against Taseko and the provincial government, challenging the provincial drilling permit granted for exploratory activities.

July 2, 2019

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation staged a non-violent blockade that stopped Taseko’s mobilization of equipment and personnel into the area.

 July 16, 2019

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government issued a statement reaffirming their ongoing opposition to Taseko’s drilling program at Tetẑan Biny and Nabaŝ, sites of cultural significance.

Sept. 2019

The B.C. Supreme Court granted the Tŝilhqot’in Nation an injunction preventing Taseko from proceeding with its exploratory drilling program near Teˆztan Biny and Nabaŝ. This ruling paused drilling activities pending a full hearing of the Nation’s case concerning the alleged infringement of their Aboriginal rights.

Dec. 7, 2019

Both parties agreed to a one-year standstill on litigation and regulatory matters related to the project.

Feb. 2020

Taseko filed an application to the Supreme Court of Canada for leave to appeal the Federal Court of Appeal’s dismissal of the project.

May 2020

The Supreme Court dismissed Taseko’s application for leave to appeal, effectively ending the company’s efforts to overturn the federal rejection of its project.

Dec. 2020

Taseko issued a statement confirming that, following the initial one-year standstill, both the company and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation agreed to extend the standstill for an additional year to continue their dialogue.

 June 2025

Taseko, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, and British Columbia signed an agreement resolving the dispute over the New Prosperity project.