As Taseko Mines Limited’s $1.1 billion New Prosperity mine project is being planned, the project was hit by an obstacle. The Tsilhqot’in First Nation has declared that the region around Fish Lake is within the new tribal park that’s also being planned. The tribal park consists of an area that needs to be protected for heritage, habitat, and wildlife (Vancouversun). Despite the fact that the gold and copper mining project has been rejected twice by the federal government, Taseko’s Vice President Brian Battison said that the company has been moving forward with their original plan (cbc.ca).

This situation lies in the Political section of the PEST(LE) analysis. The factors that include in the political section of the analysis that influence this topic are social legislation and environmental and consumer-protection legislation. As Taseko is being challenged by both the government and the First Nations to change their New Prosperity mine project plans so that their operation does not interfere with the area that lies within the tribal park boundary, this situation is considered to be under the political part of the PEST(LE) analysis.

Taseko will have to try its best to have their project approved by the government and the First Nations community or to reach a mutual agreement with them. Even if Taseko is granted approval, they will have to invest in a lot more money to keep the land as protected as they can. However, it seems like it’s going to be hard for Taseko to further plan as the government, the First Nations community, and funding is all obstacles blocking their project.

Reference:
News, CBC. “Taseko’s New Prosperity Mine Challenged by Tsilhqot’in Park Plan – British Columbia – CBC News.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 06 Oct. 2014. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/taseko-s-new-prosperity-mine-challenged-by-tsilhqot-in-park-plan-1.2763814>.

Pynn, Larry. “Tsilhqot’in Set to Declare Site of New Prosperity Mine a Tribal Park.” The Vancouver Sun. 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 6 Oct. 2014. <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html>.

Image:
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