Court halts British Columbia mine expansion, backing First Nation

The British Columbia Supreme Court blocked Mount Polley Mining Corporation's tailings dam expansion until July 2025, following a challenge from the Xatśūll First Nation. The decision halts the project due to inadequate consultation and environmental review. The court ruled against the expansion, citing concerns raised by the Xatśūll First Nation regarding the province's approval process. The First Nation argued that the expansion lacked proper consultation and a thorough environmental assessment, violating Indigenous rights. This ruling comes after the 2014 tailings dam collapse at the same mine, which caused a major environmental disaster. A hearing on the issue is scheduled for June 24, 2025, as the First Nation seeks to maintain the block on the expansion.