Jul 13 2015
Imperial Metals Corporation ("Imperial") reports the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Environment have issued permit amendments that allow recommencement of operations at the Mount Polley mine. The permits allow a modified operation plan to process a maximum of 4 million tonnes of ore over one year (approximately 50% of capacity of the processing plant at Mount Polley).
The tailings from the processing during modified operations will be directed to, and stored in, the Springer pit. During the modified operation plan, ore will be mined from the Cariboo pit and the Boundary zone underground workings.
The rehabilitation and restoration of the areas affected by the August 4, 2014 breach of the tailings embankment at the Mount Polley mine will continue during the period of modified operation. Imperial remains committed to working with the Ministry of Environment, First Nations and the local community to mitigate the effects of the breach.
The permit amendments to recommence operations at Mount Polley allow the mine to retain a large portion of its skilled work force which is critical to ongoing operations. Employment and business opportunities related to Mount Polley are also important to the regional economy as the mine and its employees play a substantial role in the economy and fabric of the surrounding communities. Mount Polley management and staff are thankful for the ongoing support of these communities.
About Imperial
Imperial is an exploration, mine development and operating company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The new Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia is in its commissioning phase. Imperial, through its subsidiaries, owns the Mount Polley copper/gold mine in British Columbia and the Sterling gold mine in Nevada. Imperial has a 50% interest in the Huckleberry copper mine and a 50% interest in the Ruddock Creek lead/zinc property, both in British Columbia.
Source: http://www.imperialmetals.com/