300-905
West Pender St .
Vancouver BC
Canada V6C 1L6
Tel 778-373-4533
Fax 778-373-4534
Toll Free 1 800 667 - 2114
www.tasekomines.com
TASEKO ANNOUNCES GIBRALTAR PRODUCTION
UPDATE
July 27, 2009, Vancouver, BC - Taseko Mines Limited
(TSX: TKO; NYSE AMEX: TGB) ("Taseko" or the "Company") is
pleased to provide the following update on production and cost results for
the second quarter 2009.
During the second quarter of 2009, the Gibraltar Mine produced 19.1 million
pounds of copper and 217 thousand pounds of molybdenum. For the first six
months of 2009, Gibraltar has produced 39.0 million pounds of copper and 404
thousand pounds of molybdenum, representing a 46% increase in copper production
compared to the same period in 2008. These quarterly production figures are
in line with annual production guidance of 80 million pounds of copper and
800 thousand pounds of molybdenum.
Total (on-site and off-site) cash costs for the second quarter were US$1.30
per pound. For the first six months of 2009, total cash costs averaged US$1.23
per pound.
Russell Hallbauer, President and CEO of Taseko stated, "These production
and cost results demonstrate the improved capabilities of Gibraltar's
upgraded concentrator and new mining equipment. The copper price strengthened
during the second quarter, averaging US$2.12 per pound on the London Metals
Exchange. Today's price is over US$2.50 per pound and with our recent
mine enhancements, Taseko is well positioned to capitalize on the much improved
price environment."
Mr. Hallbauer continued, "Concentrator upgrade work recommenced in the
second quarter with the installation of the new Vertimill will increase metal
recoveries by an estimated 3%. In conjunction with additional capital projects,
we are on track to achieve annual production capacity of 115 million pounds
of copper by the middle of 2010. Engineering and operations personnel are
currently examining ways to accelerate this timeframe."
Note: The above production and cost figures are unaudited.
Contact: Brian Bergot, Investor Relations - 778-373-4545, toll free 1-800-667-2114
Russell Hallbauer
President and 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, completion of the mill upgrade on time estimated and at
scheduled cost, continued availability of capital and financing, 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.