Taseko Mines Ltd definitely did not see this one coming. With the Tsilhqot’in First Nations group announcing this October as the opening of their new Dasiqox Tribal Park in the Chilcotin area, Taseko’s $1.1 billion dollar New Prosperity copper-gold project is in jeopardy. The 3,120 square kilometers set to be declared as tribal park land will include the site for Taseko’s controversial project and the Tsilhqot’in people are preparing to establish strict rules against mining and logging in the area. Ever since the First Nations Land Management Act was signed in 1999, these acts to preserve the heritage and resources of Native land have put significant external pressure on natural resource companies like Taseko.

Photo by John Lehmann

Through their New Prosperity copper-gold project, Taseko stated that they were eager to “dramatically increase shareholder value, improve the economic well-being of local communities, and transform into a strongly positioned mid-tier mining company.” However the First Nations Land Management Act has given power to Natives over reserve lands and their resources, thereby limiting Taseko from expanding their supply of key resources and increasing revenue streams. As a Political factor in Taseko’s PEST analysis, the opening of this tribal park is set to have substantial financial implications as Taseko must seek to quickly readjust their future plans to align with BC’s native legislations if they wish to avoid impediments such as this.

References

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/background-the-indian-act-1.1056988

http://pestleanalysis.com/pest-analysis/

http://www.tasekomines.com/new-prosperity/ID540205

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

In Philip Wong’s blog post, “Focusing on the Consumers”, he explains how Riot Games, the company behind the online game League of Legends, creates an unrivaled consumers experience by “constantly updating and revitalizing the game, forming close relationships with players with their forums and promotional events.” As one of the most played and fastest rising video games on the planet, it is clear that League of Legends’ superiority in the online, “Freemium” game industry, can be credited to the structure and strategy that Riot has built into the core of this game. To further expand on Wong’s post, I believe the success of League of Legends lies directly with one of Michael Porter’s generic strategies – the industry wide differentiation strategy.

Photo by St. Louis Post Dispatch

As evident in League of Legends’ wide variety of characters, gameplay modes, and multiplayer options, Riot has unquestionably targeted the entire industry with their game. With no specific skill, state-of-the-art computer, or cost required to begin playing the game, nearly anyone can get hooked to the unique playing experience, whether or not you are a fan of video games. The way that Riot has mastered the immersive component of its game by demanding vigorous teamwork and coordination between friends or quite often strangers in order to succeed, also adds to the key factors that differentiates League of Legends from its competitors.

References

http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/generic.shtml

https://blogs.ubc.ca/philipwong/2014/10/04/focusing-on-the-consumers/