Prosperity mine expected to add $4.5 billion to B.C.’s GDP

Prosperity mine expected to add $4.5 billion to B.C.’s GDP

BY GORDON HAMILTON, VANCOUVER SUNJUNE 1, 2009

Taseko Mines Ltd. is countering environmental opposition to its proposed Prosperity mine southwest of Williams Lake with its own economic data claiming the mine will have a $4.5-billion impact on British Columbia’s gross domestic product over its 23-year life.

But to develop the mine, Taseko proposes turning a popular fishing lake, rainbow trout-rich Fish Lake, into a tailings pond, drawing stiff opposition from the Tsilhqot’in first nation and various environmental groups.

The economic argument is winning support in Williams Lake, 125 kilometres from the site, where the city council has made development of the mine its top priority.

But Bernie Elkins, of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, said the impact on the land outweighs the economic impact.

“We are not on-side with killing the lake,” he said, noting it is used by first nations and is popular with fishing enthusiasts. He also said the Tsilhqot’in remain unconvinced the mine will not leach toxins into the Taseko, Chilcotin and ultimately the Fraser rivers.