Mount Polley to Continue Constructing TSF Raise

Courtesy of Imperial Metals:

Imperial Metals Corporation (the “Company” or “Imperial”) (TSX:III) announces that the Supreme Court of British Columbia today has dismissed the application of the Xatśūll First Nation (“Xatśūll“) for an injunction and judicial review of two provincial approvals authorizing construction of a four-metre lift on the tailings storage facility (“TSF”) at the Mount Polley Mine (“Mount Polley”).

The Court found the decisions of the two provincial authorities allowing Mount Polley to construct the TSF lift were reasonable and were made fairly, and that the Government sufficiently consulted with the Xatśūll before making those decisions. The Court’s decision cited the extensive consultation record and actions taken in support of Xatśūll’s review of the approvals.  

Imperial and Mount Polley are committed to transparent engagement with Indigenous communities and environmental responsibility. Maintaining a meaningful relationship with Xatśūll and Williams Lake First Nation is important to the Company, including supporting sustainable development through meaningful dialogue.

Mount Polley Mine employs over 390 employees, making it a significant economic driver in the region.

Although the mine can continue to construct the TSF raise and may now deposit tailings that rely on that raise, without receipt of our pending Mines permit amendment which allows Mount Polley to continue to mine, the mine may again be put in jeopardy of significantly revising operational plans or ceasing operation if the Mines permit amendment process is not expedited.

“We support and hold up the Court’s decision to dismiss the petition,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN). "Mount Polley is a vital part of our regional economy, offering stable jobs and contributing to programs that benefit both WLFN members and the wider community. This outcome brings certainty for our region and local businesses, and we look forward to the province continuing to support the mine’s operations through timely permit approvals."

“There are significant challenges facing project advancement in British Columbia today. Well-considered decisions made by expert regulatory authorities following extensive consultations are frequently contested, at great expense, increasing risk to projects through permitting delays and causing uncertainty for operators and their employees and contractors. We hope that today’s decision helps to reduce this risk and uncertainty, especially for our workforce and their families. In the meantime, we will continue to follow regulatory processes and respectfully engage with Williams Lake First Nation and Xatśūll First Nation, as we have in the past,” said Brian Kynoch, President of Imperial.

UBCIC Supports Xatśūll First Nation’s Legal Action Against Mount Polley Mine Expansion

Courtesy of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs:

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) stands in unwavering solidarity with Xatśūll First Nation in its judicial review challenge against the Province of British Columbia’s reckless approval of the Mount Polley Mine Tailings Storage Facility dam expansion—an approval granted without an environmental assessment and in direct contravention of B.C.’s legal obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).

Xatśūll First Nation is courageously defending their inherent title and rights and territory while protecting the integrity of their lands and waters. The UBCIC fully supports their demand for accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to environmental and Indigenous rights laws.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “The provincially approved expansion of the Mount Polley Mine Tailings Storage Facility dam expansion is not just a local issue—it’s a warning siren across the province. This government cannot claim to uphold reconciliation while approving environmentally hazardous projects without consent, consultation, or proper assessment. Xatśūll’s action is an action for all First Nations and future generations.”

“The Province’s current decision demonstrates a clear failure to implement the Declaration Act in good faith,” stated Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President. “We support Xatśūll First Nation’s efforts to uphold their rights and stop yet another catastrophic mistake from happening on their land. Free, prior, and informed consent is not optional—it’s a legal and moral obligation.”

Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer concluded, “Since the 2014 Mount Polley disaster, the worst mining disaster in B.C. history, Xatśūll First Nation has shown extraordinary strength and resilience in seeking justice and protection for their territory. The UBCIC Chiefs Council has stood with Xatśūll through the aftermath and recovery—and we will continue to stand with them now as they oppose yet another unacceptable risk to their land and waters. UBCIC calls on the Province to immediately halt any further work on the Mount Polley dam raise, withdraw its approvals, and meaningfully engage with Xatśūll First Nation as equals under the principles of free, prior, and informed consent.”

Mt Polley authorized to raise its tailings storage facility by four metres

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, and Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, have released the following statement regarding the approval for the Mt. Polley Mine to raise its tailings storage facility by four metres in advance of the spring freshet:

“Today, as statutory decision-makers under the Environmental Assessment Act, we have made the decision to allow the Mount Polley Mining Corporation to raise the height of its tailings storage facility dam by four metres to ensure water can be managed safely in advance of spring freshet.

“The necessary permit for this work under the Mines Act has also been approved.

“We recognize that there are significant concerns around this mine. Since 2016, the mine has been operating under significantly stronger environmental standards.

“Approvals for this change come after comprehensive technical reviews by experts, including external engineers, as well as consultation with local First Nations.

“The application to raise the height of the tailings storage facility meets all required regulatory standards. This action is needed for the mine to continue operating safely, providing jobs for hundreds of people in the area.

“Staff in both our ministries will continue to closely monitor the mine to ensure it is operating under the highest standards and is meeting our strong regulatory requirements.

“What happened in 2014 can never happen again. Our strong requirements to protecting the environment are non-negotiable.”

More on this item here

2nd Public Mtg in Likely today

Later today at 3pm - a 2nd public meeting will be held at the Likely Community Hall to update residents' in regards to work underway as a result of the Mt Polley Tailings Pond dam breach

It is expected that both BC Energy Minister Bill Bennett & Environment Minister Mary Polak will be present to respond to residents' questions.  It is also hoped that water sample test results will be available at that time to present to the affected residents' of Likely

In addition, other technical experts and Cariboo RD officials will also be present to respond to questions

~SF