OTTAWA, –  Dick Harris (Cariboo-Prince George) BC/Yukon Caucus Chair expressed optimism about Monday’s announcement that Taseko Mines has re-designed their Prosperity Mine plan, and submitted a new Project Description for consideration by the Government of Canada and its respective agencies and departments.

“I am very pleased to hear that Taseko Mines has gone forward with their plan to submit a new Prosperity Mine Project Description, and I will continue to work with Taseko Mines to help try and get this project up and running,” said Harris.

Harris said that he is also quite ready to assist resolving any issues that may be outstanding between First Nations and Taseko, and invites First Nations leaders to contact him if they want his help.

Harris explained that the new design greatly reduces environmental impacts, preserves Fish Lake and its adjacent habitat, and yet still enables all mine operations and related components to be contained within one single watershed.

Harris concluded, “The federal government, while rejecting Taseko’s first application last November, clearly indicated that a future application was an option.  Of course I am happy to see that Taseko has taken up that option despite hundreds of millions of dollars in additional cost.  This project means future and long lasting economic stability to the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, by creating thousands of jobs and adding billions to the economy over the life of the mine.  This project will also provide skills training and long lasting economic benefits for First Nations who live in the project area”.