Prosperity Mine likely to cause backlash from the First Nations community

WILLIAMS LAKE (NEWS1130) - The head of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs says it supports the call by several First Nations to halt a proposed mine near Williams Lake, and violence is not being ruled out.

The Prosperity Mine is said to be worth $800 million, but nearby Fish Lake is slated to become tailing pond.

The Tsilhqot'in First Nation has said people are ready to fight to stop the project.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs says a federal review shows the mine would severely damage the local environment. Phillip was asked about any potential violence. "In the event that the Government of Canada through the Minister of Environment were to approve this project, without question there would be a nation-wide and provincial-wide backlash."

The B.C. government has already approved the mine, saying the economic benefits outweigh the environmental costs.