The Taseko Mines’ defamation suit against the Wilderness Committee is heading back to B.C. Supreme Court for final arguments Tuesday.

 

Taseko Mines filed the notice of civil claim back in March 2012, alleging the Wilderness Committee published defamatory statements regarding the review process of the controversial New Prosperity Mine.

 

The Wilderness Committee maintains the project runs the risk of harming Fish Lake in Tsilqot’in Nation Territory southwest of Williams Lake, according to Joe Foy, the committee’s national campaign director.

 

“I’m shocked we’re still in court over this,” he said. “Why would anyone engage in a public process against a well-financed corporation? Because you’d be left staying up at night wondering if that corporation will send you to court and eventually result in you losing your home or something.”

 

Taseko has spent about $120 million in development costs so far on its proposed gold-copper mine.

 

“The defamatory statements were motivated by express malice of the defendant Wilderness Committee,” the claim states.