More than 150 people packed the Valley Room in 100 Mile House to hear what Taskeo Mines Ltd. management had to say about its New Prosperity Mine proposal.
Brian Battison, Taseko corporate affairs vice-president, gave a half-hour presentation, after expressing his appreciation for the large turnout, which he later noted gives the company "confidence in what we are doing here."
He began with a history of Taseko's success in reopening Gibraltar Mine 20 years ago, and the previous Prosperity proposal's rejection by the federal government.
"We have not given up on New Prosperity because we feel this region and this community has not given up on us. So, we will see this through to the finish."
Battison also played a video detailing site plans for the New Prosperity Mine, including an employee camp, the tailing ponds and drainage, how the mine intends to preserve the integrity of the adjacent Fish Lake, as well as other aspects.
He then encouraged the crowd to show up and express support when the federal review panel comes to the community for input.
"And then, turn your attention toward Ottawa, and let the political leaders in this country also hear your voice."
The "greatest value and benefit in mining flows to people" through mine employees, suppliers and communities, Battison explained.
He added if the "political, financial and commodity price risks Taseko has taken turn out reasonable and not overwhelming," this will allow Taseko to reinvest profits in the province and have "perhaps even something" left to pass along to the "loyal shareholders."
Battison concluded by inviting people to stay and ask questions of himself and the four other Taseko employees present.
"We are ready to talk about fish and Fish Lake."
Obvious objector
Not everyone was pleased with what they heard, however, and one resident spoke up loudly with objections immediately following Battison's asking people to bring their questions to Taseko staff individually.
Local resident Gordon Hoglund took exception at what he indicated were incorrect implications the project had been "railroaded" in the previous federal approval process, and other concerns.
Others in attendance respected the meeting format, however, and after people in the crowd voiced comments, such as "we don't need to listen to this" and "when you rent the room, you get to speak," Hoglund stepped aside to talk to Battison more privately.
Federal review changes
Joanne Molnar of 100 Mile says she asked Taseko environmental co-ordinator Sonia Meili about implications of the new, streamlined federal environmental review process to the New Prosperity Mine project.
"I was curious as to whether this submission of their project would fall under the streamlined process or under the initial process."
Molnar says the answer she was given was the project will not be covered in the new process and must adhere to the previous review procedures.
Tailings pond design
Salmon Arm resident Georgette Clayton, who owns the Cedar Crest Garden Apartments in 100 Mile, also spoke with Meili.
"I was asking about why the tailings pond was above Fish Lake, because to me, it didn't make sense.
"She explained it's all got to do with the topography of the area. There wasn't room to place the pond downstream, it was very steep, and it would actually then be closer to the river.
"So it looks like they've actually done their homework, and she said they're trying to keep everything within one watershed, so it did make good sense and I was pleased."
Federal review panel
Hills Health Ranch owner Pat Corbett said he posed several questions to Battison, all of which were addressed.
"I asked him what the construction numbers are. I wanted him to give me an overview of the dollars, jobs and valuations around the construction phase."
Corbett says his key question was what Taseko would see as the "perfect picture" when the federal panel comes to the South Cariboo for public consultations on the project.
The presentation also answered his overall questions about changes to preserve Fish Lake in the newest proposal, he said, as compared to the prior plan to drain the lake.
"I think that was explained here. The new plan is better understood."