
Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO)(NYSE American: TGB)(LSE: TKO), the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and the Province of British Columbia today announced the signing of an agreement to resolve a complex, long-standing conflict concerning Taseko’s New Prosperity mineral tenures, located approximately 125 kilometers southwest of Williams Lake, British Columbia in the Teẑtan Biny (Fish Lake) area of Tŝilhqot’in territory. New Prosperity is one of the largest copper-gold deposits in Canada, with a measured and indicated mineral resource containing 5.3 billion pounds of copper and 13.3 million ounces of gold1.
Negotiated over a period of years, the Agreement ends litigation among the three parties, while providing certainty with respect to how the significant copper-gold resource at New Prosperity may be developed in the future. In resolving a high-profile conflict between the rights of resource developers and First Nations, the Agreement meaningfully advances the goals of reconciliation in British Columbia.
Stuart McDonald, President & CEO commented, “This Agreement resolves a damaging and value-destructive dispute, and acknowledges Taseko’s commercial interests in the New Prosperity property and the cultural significance of the area to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. Taseko will retain a majority interest (77.5%) in the mineral tenures, while any future development at New Prosperity will benefit the Tŝilhqot’in people, and will only occur with their free, prior and informed consent.
“We thank all the parties for their contributions at the negotiating table and their commitment to the multi-year dialogue that has led to this historic agreement.”
Key elements of the Agreement include:
1 Refer below to “New Prosperity Mineral Tenures and Mineral Resources” and cautionary note.
Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals for BC, commented: “Resolution of this legal and public conflict has been a priority for this government. These negotiations, which began under the previous mandate, laid important groundwork. The agreement demonstrates B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation and ensuring that the interests of First Nations and mining companies can advance together. I want to recognize all parties to this agreement for their willingness to collaborate to find common ground, build mutual respect, and create a foundation for shared prosperity. We will continue working in partnership to maintain a stable investment climate and future economic benefits for British Columbians.”
Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation commented: “It has taken vision and courage from strong leaders to get us to this significant moment. Together with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Taseko Mines Limited, and through this settlement agreement, B.C. is aligning with commitments we’ve made under previous agreements—such as the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement—to support the Tŝilhqot’in path of self-determination. Through collaborative processes and by working in partnership with First Nations and industry, we will continue to advance reconciliation for the benefit of all.”
Nits’ilʔin Roger William, Nits’ilʔin of Xeni Gwet’in, commented: “This Agreement protects our rights of consent in the Teẑtan Area. That’s huge. For over three decades, we’ve had conflict in the Teẑtan Area. For my oldest son, for many Tŝilhqot’in, that conflict has always been there, for their entire lives. Now we are turning the page. Tŝilhqot’in consent is protected: there is no longer the threat of exploration or mining without our consent. I hold my hands up to everyone that worked hard over the past five years to achieve this historic agreement that reflects true reconciliation, including the Province and Taseko Mines Limited. This is a time to celebrate for our people and honour all those who made this resolution possible.”
Nits’ilʔin Lennon Solomon, Nits’ilʔin of Yuneŝit’in, commented: “This is a historic moment for our people and for reconciliation in British Columbia and Canada. It shows what is possible when we come together in the right spirit to resolve even the deepest conflict. I am honoured to be part of a resolution that finally respects Tŝilhqot’in rights and jurisdiction in the Teẑtan Area, after a generation of conflict. I am grateful that we can move forward as Tŝilhqot’in in a positive way and put our energy and attention into our own priorities as a Nation.”
The Agreement is subject to customary conditions and closing of the transaction is expected to occur in June 2025.
For further information on Taseko, see the Company’s website at tasekomines.com or contact:
Stuart McDonald
President and CEO
Background Information
History
New Prosperity Mineral Tenures and Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources (effective November 2, 2009 at 0.14% copper cut-off) | |||
Metric Tonnes (millions) | Copper Grade (%) | Gold Grade (g/t) | |
Measured | 547 | 0.27 | 0.46 |
Indicated | 463 | 0.21 | 0.34 |
Total Measured and Indicated Resources | 1,010 | 0.24 | 0.41 |
Additional information regarding data verification, exploration information, known legal, political, environmental or other risks can be found in the Prosperity Technical Report. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the development of the New Prosperity Project and the fact that the Prosperity Technical Report has not been updated since 2009, caution is advised when assessing its conclusions in light of current metal price outlooks, operating and capital costs, appropriate technologies and like matters.
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