Tsay Keh Dene and Taseko Mines Limited Sign Exploration Agreement

PRINCE GEORGE, BC, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Tsay Keh Dene is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Taseko Mines Limited on the exploration phase of a project at Aley Creek on the southeast side of Williston Reservoir, an area within the traditional territory of Tsay Keh Dene.

The project at Aley Creek combines a drilling program and environmental studies by Taseko for the purpose of assessing whether development of a mine is feasible. The agreement between Tsay Keh Dene and Taseko follows an announcement by Taseko in March 2012 that the site contains a 286 million metric tonne Measured and Indicated Niobium Resource at a grade of 0.37% Nb2O5  (Niobium Pentoxide).

Chief Dennis Izony of Tsay Keh Dene described the negotiations leading up to the agreement as "intense and tough, but fair and respectful". He also noted that Tsay Keh Dene is committed to a cooperative approach with Taseko on the exploration program and environmental studies. He stressed that "this agreement lays a solid foundation for long term cooperation and mutual benefit by Tsay Keh Dene and Taseko while ensuring that Tsay Keh Dene rights and interests are respected".

Chief Dennis Izony
Tsay Keh Dene First Nation
1877 Queensway Street
Prince George, B.C.
V2L 1L9
[phone]
[email protected]