QUICK SUMMARY
The Supreme Court of British Columbia has paused operations at the Mount Polley mine's wastewater storage facility amid a legal challenge from the Xatśūll First Nation. The court's ruling prevents the mining company from depositing tailings into a dam being raised before July 1, following a catastrophic dam collapse in 2014.
The Supreme Court of British Columbia has ordered a halt to operations at the Mount Polley mine's wastewater storage facility due to a challenge from the Xatśūll First Nation. The ruling prohibits the Mount Polley Mining Corp. from depositing mine tailings into a storage dam being raised before July 1. This decision follows a significant environmental disaster in 2014 when a similar dam collapsed, releasing 25 million cubic meters of water and tailings into local waterways. The Xatśūll First Nation sought an emergency injunction to stop the dam's expansion while the court reviews its approval by the provincial government. They welcomed the court's decision and plan to argue for the continuation of the pause during a hearing in June. The B.C. government claims the addition to the dam was necessary for managing spring runoff and was approved after consultations with First Nations. The pause aims to ensure that environmental safety is prioritized while legal proceedings unfold. The case highlights ongoing tensions between resource management and Indigenous rights in British Columbia.