The independent panel was appointed by Canada's Environment Minister January 2009 to study the Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine proposed by Vancouver-based Taseko Mines Ltd. The $800-million project would have a 20-year life and include an onsite mill, access road, and 125-kilometre-long power transmission line.

Taseko has said the project would generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in B.C.'s Cariboo-Chilcotin region, but the panel ruled that any such benefits would come at a cost.

"The panel concludes that the project would result in significant adverse environmental effects on fish and fish habitat, on navigation, on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First Nations and on cultural heritage, and on certain potential or established Aboriginal rights or title," stated the panel in the report submitted to Environment Minister Jim Prentice.

The government of British Columbia previously approved the project, concluding that while the project would have negative environmental effects, the mine was justified.

Opponents of the project describe the watershed as a pristine ecosystem, with exceptional views, clear lakes and abundant wildlife. The mine would wipe out a section of the Teztan Yeqok and about 90,000 rainbow trout on which the Tsilhqot'in and Secwepemc First Nations rely. The First Nations communities have long opposed this project.