The Tsilhgot’in First Nations has recently declared 1,750 square kilometres of land west of Williams Lake as their landmark of a tribal park. However, controversy takes place when Taseko Mines Ltd.’s Fish Lake property lies outside the title area recognized by the courts. As the Tsilhogt’in people have devoted themselves on conserving the well-being of the environment, have been long opposed for the mining industry around the area and wish to reduce the mining and logging threats. This is a perfect example to evaluate PEST analysis on the two factors and observe of how Taseko Mines Ltd faces the external factor as First Nations issues are tightly connected to their land allocation and political rights. In this case, as the Tsilhogot’in people have the profound interest in preserving the wilderness on behalf of their culture and living condition, their effort in contributing the environment could deeply affect the corporation’s potential business model as New Prosperity’s exploitation would severely contaminate the fish lake. On a social level, as the New Prosperity’s strategy in developing the mine on an environmentally scale, it is hard for the Taseko Mines to take further steps as they are currently challenging the First Nation’s cultural limitations and habitants while standing under the spotlight with national attention. However, would a full denial towards the mining industry be the only solution in this issue. The answer is no. While it is important to preserve the environment, it is equally important to evaluate the issue based on an economic lens as the mining industry does open various doors with employment opportunities in the area. Therefore, on a political level to develop a deeper analysis on the issue, government intervention is a must as it is worthwhile to set government regulation and limitation between First Nations and corporations to avoid further controversies and prevent conflicts.
Resources:
“Tsilhqot’in Set to Declare Site of New Prosperity Mine a Tribal Park.”Www.vancouversun.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral%2Bpark%2Bdeclared%2BTsilhqot%2Bincludes%2BProsperity%2Bmine/10192766/story.html>.
“Understanding Pest Analysis with Definitions and Examples.” PESTLE Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://pestleanalysis.com/pest-analysis/>.