News Release
Federal Funding Awarded to Participate in Environmental Review of the Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project

OTTAWA, March 3, 2009 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has awarded a total of $82,250 to four applicants to support their participation in the panel review of the proposed Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project in south-central British Columbia. 

The funding recipients are Share Cariboo-Chilcotin Resources Society, Friends of the Nemaiah Valley, Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce and MiningWatch Canada.

The funding is being made available to help the recipients review and comment on the Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the proponent. The funding may also be used to prepare for and participate in the public hearing that will be announced by the review panel at a later date.

A funding review committee, independent of the review panel, reviewed the requests and provided recommendations on funding allocations. The committee's report, as well as further information on the project, are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference number 09-05-44811.

Taseko Mines Ltd. proposes the development of a high volume open pit gold-copper mine to be located 125 km southwest of Williams Lake, B.C. In addition to the mine and associated tailings and waste rock areas, the project includes an onsite mill, an approximately 125 km long power transmission line corridor and an access road.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

Media may contact:

Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434