Taseko Receives Provincial Approval to Proceed with Prosperity

VANCOUVER , Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO; NYSE Amex: TGB) ("Taseko" or the "Company") received the environmental assessment certificate for its proposed Prosperity Gold-Copper Project from the BC Provincial Ministry of Environment on January 14, 2010 .

"Obviously we are tremendously pleased with the Provincial Government's decision. We put considerable effort and Company resources into the documentation and process and to have now received this approval is both gratifying and rewarding," says Taseko President & 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 by 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," concluded Mr. Hallbauer .

Taseko will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss the Prosperity Project on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 . Details will follow later today.

The Information Bulletin published today by the BC Ministry of Environment provides additional details about the process conducted by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Ministry of Environment. The Information Bulletin can be found at http://www.gov.bc.ca/env/index.html

    
    Russell Hallbauer
    President & CEO
    

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

Forward Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include capital market conditions, commodities market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, lack of continuity of mineralization, continued availability of capital and financing, the ability to obtain and maintain required permits, including environmental, construction and mining permits and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's annual Form 40-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or the Company's home jurisdiction filings at www.sedar.com.

For further information: on Taseko, please see the Company's website www.tasekomines.com or contact: Brian Bergot, Investor Relations, [phone], Toll Free 1-800-667-2114