OTTAWA – May 8, 2009 - The Secretariat for the federal Panel reviewing the proposed Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine project will be holding information sessions on the review process in the project area likely starting the week of June 8, 2009. Final details on the dates, times and locations of the sessions will be provided soon.
The information sessions will give Aboriginal groups, the public, governments and other interested parties an opportunity to hear further about the federal review, the Panel’s role and mandate, and how Aboriginal groups and the public can participate in the federal process.
The Secretariat for the Panel will be making presentations and will answer questions relating to the federal review process. The Panel will not be present at these sessions.
The Panel will soon be seeking written input on the Hearing Procedures document which details how the eventual federal hearing will unfold. The Hearing Procedures will be issued shortly.
The Panel is proposing to hold two different types of hearing sessions during the public hearing. Community hearing sessions will be held to allow members of the local communities to express their views to the Panel in an informal setting. General hearing sessions will be more structured and are proposed to be held in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House.
The Panel is currently seeking input on possible locations for community hearing sessions and any local practices that should be considered in conducting these hearing sessions.
The Panel is also currently reviewing the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) filed by the proponent. The public has been invited to submit comments in writing on the adequacy of the EIS prior to the deadline of May 25, 2009.
The EIS, along with more information on this project, are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at, registry number 09-05-44811.
The proponent, Taseko Mines Limited is proposing to develop an open-pit gold-copper mine located 125 km southwest of Williams Lake, B.C. The proposed project also includes tailings and waste rock areas, an onsite mill, an approximately 125 km long power transmission line corridor and an access road.
The Panel is an independent body, appointed by the federal Minister of the Environment to assess the environmental effects of the proposed project.
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Media may contact:
Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434
