Canada govt blocks development of Taseko copper-gold mine

VANCOUVER, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The Canadian government has blocked the development of a controversial copper and gold mine owned by Taseko Mines Ltd , Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq said on Wednesday.

The decision came after Aglukkaq concluded that the New Prosperity mine project is "likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be mitigated," a statement from the minister's office said.

(Reporting by Nicole Mordant; Editing by Richard Pullin)

((nicole.mordant@thomsonreuters.com)(+1-604-664-7315)(Reuters Messaging: nicole.mordant.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: CANADA MINE/