Province of BC issues permit for expansion of Mount Polley Mine

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has approved Imperial Metal’s permit to expand its Mount Polley mine in the Cariboo region, which will extend the mine’s life by eight years, support local jobs and continue environmental monitoring as part of ongoing regulatory requirements.

BC Ministers' of Environment & Parks and Mining & Critical Minerals consented to the Springer Pit expansion at Mount Polley mine under the project’s environmental assessment certificate. Following that decision, an amendment to Imperial Metal’s Mines Act permit has been approved, allowing the company to proceed with the expansion under permitting conditions.

The expansion will extend the mine’s operating life until 2033, allowing for pit development and expansion of rock-storage areas. The expansion will occur within the existing mine site footprint.

A joint review of the expansion followed careful assessment of technical reports, co-ordination with the regulatory agencies and consultations with both Williams Lake and Xat'sull First Nations. The review ensured the decision meets B.C.’s high standards for environmental protection and public safety.

The Province of British Columbia understands the importance of jobs, community well-being and environmental protection in the Cariboo region. Government staff will continue to work to balance these priorities by carefully overseeing the mine’s operations under the newly amended permit and ensuring compliance with all requirements

Imperials Metals "Clarification of Public Record" (Xat'sull First Nation/Mt Polley Mine)

Courtesy of Imperial Metals:

Imperial Metals Corporation notes that a number of third parties, including news agencies, have incorrectly reported that an injunction was granted in respect of the construction and operation of the tailings storage facility at Imperial’s Mount Polley mine. Imperial Metals confirms that no such injunction was granted. Normal operations of the mine and construction of a four-metre raise of the

tailings storage facility will continue.

On May 8, 2025, Mr. Justice Weatherill of the Supreme Court of British Columbia heard an application for an interim injunction from Xatśūll First Nation regarding the decision to approve the aforementioned four-metre raise of the tailings storage facility. The Court adjourned the application until June 24, 2025 when both the underlying petition challenging the decision and the injunction will be heard and decided. Mount Polley Mining Corporation, Imperial’s wholly-owned subsidiary, made clear at the hearing that although it continues with previously permitted use of the tailings storage facility, it did not anticipate needing to use the four-metre raise currently under construction until July 1, 2025 at the earliest, and agreed to provide an undertaking to the Court to that effect.

The result of the May 8th, 2025 hearing was that the matter would be heard in June, 2025 and no injunction was issued.