The federal minister in charge of the department at the centre of the controversial environmental assessment for the proposed New Prosperity copper and gold mine declined to comment on the quality of evidence bureaucrats in his ministry provided.
"Because it's subject to legal action, I can't comment on it," Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver told the Citizen when asked if he was confident scientists from his department provided accurate information to a federal review panel this summer.
The three-member Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency panel released a report on Oct. 31 that said the proposed open-pit copper and gold mine south of Williams Lake could have significant environmental impacts, specifically surrounding fish and fish habitat in Fish Lake.
However mining company Taseko has alleged in letters and a court filing that Natural Resources used an incorrect mine design when calculating possible seepage rates from the tailings pond into Fish Lake.
Taseko is seeking a judicial review of the findings in federal court. Natural Resources Canada has yet to file any documents on whether or not it stands by its evidence.
At the same time as the case is making its way through the court system, federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq is also examining the environmental assessment report and must decide whether or not the mine could pose significant risks to the environment.
