GOLD/COPPER – Taseko Mines Ltd. Jan. 15 said it received an environmental assessment certificate for its proposed Prosperity Gold-Copper Project from the BC Provincial Ministry of Environment Jan. 14. “We put considerable effort and company resources into the documentation and process and to have now received this approval is both gratifying and rewarding,” said Taseko President and CEO Russell Hallbauer. “The decision will undoubtedly be well received by the people of Williams Lake and the Cariboo, so many of whom worked tirelessly to make their views and support for Prosperity known and understood. The project was subjected to a complete and thorough examination by government departments, agencies, regulators and the public. The provincial process is demanding, but it is also fair and we acknowledge the hard work of the provincial government in drawing the matter to a conclusion that will provide tremendous benefits to the social and economic future of British Columbia.

“The Government of British Columbia has authority and responsibility for mine development in the province. Now that they have given their approval we will proceed to apply for and secure the necessary leases, licenses and permits required to advance the project,” Hallbauer concluded.

COPPER/GOLD – Imperial Metals Corp. Jan. 18 reported results from its 2009 deep drilling program at the Red Chris copper-gold property in northwest British Columbia. Drill hole RC09-351 was collared 200 meters west of drill hole 07-335 and now represents the most western deep drilling on the East zone at Red Chris. The mineralized intercept extends from 237.5 meters to 732.5 meters grading 0.46 percent copper and 0.59 g/t gold over 495.0 meters. Imperial said this drill hole pierces the planned open pit at 287.5 meters depth in the area of the “saddle” between the East zone and Main zone. Mineralization in the drill hole picks up right below the saddle, and the 257.5 meters immediately below it averages 0.54 percent copper and 0.69 g/t gold. Drill hole RC09-352 was collared roughly midway between RC09-351 and drill hole 07-335. Similar to RC09-351, drill hole RC09-352 has mineralization that picked up just below the point it passed through the pit design at 300.0 meters depth for 552.9 meters grading 0.62 percent copper and 0.73 g/t gold.