Controversial disputes have surfaced as a result of the New Prosperity mining territory conflicting with the Dasiqox Tribal Park, which the Tsilhqot’in people are trying to protect. An official opening for the park is scheduled for October 4th by the A.B.C First Nations. The Tsilhqot’in people are entitled to 1,750 square kilometres of land. At the same time, Taseko Mines Ltd.’s Fish Lake property is outside the recognised area. However, the natives have recently “folded” the mine territory into the tribal park frontier.
Overall, Tsilhqot’in people are a major threat to the mining company for many reasons. Natives are protected by many laws around Canada and are favoured by most of the Canadian population. Native people represent culture, ecology and heritage, which is why they are given priority. For this reason, the company is obliged to spend more money on sustainable mining tools in order to lessen opposition.
Furthermore, the Taseko’s brand image is damaged because the company is associated with violation of ecological values. This leads to negative brand awareness because the media neglects the company’s actions. In order to fight back such negative brand image, I would suggest that the company should work on more sustainable ways to operate in the environment and provide employment for the natives.
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