Taseko and Tŝilhqot’in Nation Enter Unprecedented Life-of-Mine Consent Agreement

On June 5, 2025, Taseko Mines Limited (“Taseko”) announced the signing of the Teẑtan Biny Gagaghut’i Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, resolving a long-standing conflict concerning the New Prosperity Project (formerly known as the Prosperity Project). Under the Agreement, Taseko is required to obtain the Tŝilhqot’in Nation’s consent for any future mineral exploration and mine development within the New Prosperity mineral tenure area. The Agreement establishes a first-of-its-kind, life-of-mine consent and consensus-seeking process.

It also brings an end to all outstanding litigation between the parties and grants the Tŝilhqot’in Nation an interest in the mineral tenures associated with the New Prosperity Project. In exchange, Taseko will receive C$75 million in compensation for a portion of that interest. The Agreement initiates an Indigenous-led land use planning process for both the mineral tenure area and the broader Dasiqox region, enabling the Tŝilhqot’in Nation to determine whether, and how, the lands may be developed. Additionally, it includes an agreement under Section 7 of the Environmental Assessment Act (BC), which requires the Tŝilhqot’in Nation’s consent before any mining project on the mineral tenures can proceed.

McCarthy Tétrault advised Taseko on the Agreement, with a team led by Daniel Bornstein which included Daphne Rodzinyak, Gerald Gaunt, Rachael Carlson, Sarah Xu, and Patrick Deutscher.