The collection of natural resources is always a major environmental issue-how will the resources be retrieved and what potential harm to the environment and land will come about? Recently, the Taseko Mining Company has come into roadblocks with pursuing their business model as disagreements with BC First Nation’s has put a halt on their goals in expanding their company and acquiring new resources.

Since 1989, the Xeni Gwet’in Tsilhqot’in First Nations of British Columbia has declared within the Nemiah declaration, the removal and stop of “mining, flooding or dam construction on the area’s principal lakes.” Unfortunately, for these native BC people, the Taseko Mining Company, after finding large amounts of copper and gold deposits around Fish Lake, embarked on designing a new business model on acquiring the copper and gold. However, by doing so, the negative effects of this operation would put Fish Lake at risk into developing into a mine-waste reservoir, destroying the fish the First Nations people depend on, and value.

Major companies attempting to develop First Nation land is one of the major problems in this constantly expanding world. Outrage sparked by the potential in destruction of First Nations land has caused the mining company to look back at their business models, and put a heavier focus on environmental concerns. The Canadian Government has backed the Tslihqot’in people the rights to their land and the ability to protect what they value and deem their own. Due to this, the mining company has been unable to mine this gold and copper they desire to acquire. Businesses like these must focus more heavily on developing business models where the concerns of those to be affected, and the growing vulnerability of the environment be on the top of their to do lists.

http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2014/07/26/Tsilhqotin-With-Gloves/

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html