US EditionB.C. court rejects First Nation's challenge to Mount Polley dam increase
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, AUG 8 – The court ruled the province met its duty to consult despite Xatsull concerns about ongoing environmental and cultural impacts from the 2014 dam failure, allowing a four-metre dam raise.
- On August 6, 2025, the B.C. Supreme Court dismissed the Xatsull First Nation’s bid and found provincial approvals for the four-metre lift on the tailings storage facility were fair.
- Claiming the four-metre lift proposal lacked “meaningful” consultation, Xatsull argued the 2014 tailings dam failure caused long-lasting environmental damage affecting their rights, culture, and way of life.
- Justice Michael Tammen said, 'I view the consultation here as deep and, importantly, the process employed by the province provided Xatsull with ample opportunity to present their perspective,' and described the tailings dam raise as 'comparatively modest' with a rationale that was 'readily apparent.'
- Following the decision, Imperial Metals president Bryan Kynoch claimed it was an “important decision for the mine” that helps avoid operational disruptions, with shares rising to $3.09.
- On Aug. 7, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip claimed the ruling raises concerns about future resource development precedent, expressing deep disappointment.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Mount Polley Mine to move ahead on raising tailings dam
A B.C. Supreme Court decision on Aug. 6 has given the company the all-clear to raise their tailings dam after Xatśūll First Nation applied for an injunction and requested a judicial review
Sask Today
First Nation disappointed as B.C. court rejects challenge to Mount Polley dam level
VANCOUVER — The B.C. Supreme Court has dismissed a First Nation's bid to stop a tailings dam from being raised at the Mount Polley mine site, which suffered a catastrophic dam collapse that spilled millions of litres of waste and water 11 years ago.
First Nation disappointed as B.C. court rejects challenge to Mount Polley dam level (BC)
The B.C. Supreme Court has dismissed a First Nation's bid to stop a tailings dam from being raised at the Mount Polley mine site, which suffered a catastrophic dam collapse that spilled millions of litres of waste and water 11 years ago. The Xatsull First Nation claimed the province's approval of th...
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