Imperial Metals has been granted a court injunction against a group of native band members blocking access to the company’s nearly-completed copper mine in northwestern B.C.

Enforcement is set to take place next Tuesday. The blockade started September 29th.

The company says the blockade is preventing workers and supplies from getting to the site.

The interim injunction could clear the way for police to arrest the blockaders who consist of a Tahltan group calling itself the Klabona Keepers, members of the Secwepemc First Nation, and other environmental activists.

The natives say it is actually a victory.

Rhoda Quock, spokeswoman for the Klabona Keepers, called it an incredible victory, not only for those blockading, but for all indigenous nations facing similar situations.

“Everyone’s just very happy, even though we still have to go to court yet, but it’s still a win,” she said. “The enforcement order wasn’t granted. Before, when companies do that, they get granted the injunction and the enforcement order.”

The court also ordered that the case must now be heard in Terrace, which will allow elders and youth to attend and prepare for the hearing, Quock said.