Imperial Metals Corporation Releases Comprehensive Mount Polley Mine Production and Exploration Update
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Imperial Metals Corporation, a prominent Canadian mining company trading on the TSX under the symbol III, has officially disclosed its 2025 production results for the Mount Polley mine, alongside detailed exploration progress and forward-looking targets for 2026. The company's latest report highlights a year of significant operational achievements and strategic planning in British Columbia's mining sector.
Mount Polley Mine Exceeds 2025 Copper Production Targets
In 2025, the Mount Polley mine demonstrated robust performance by producing 30.715 million pounds of copper and 37,555 ounces of gold. This output notably surpassed the company's pre-established copper production target, which was set between 25.0 and 27.0 million pounds. Additionally, the gold production successfully met the anticipated range of 35,000 to 40,000 ounces, underscoring the mine's operational efficiency and adherence to projected metrics.
During the year, the mine processed a total of 6,714,195 tonnes of ore, maintaining a consistent volume compared to the previous year. However, the production figures for both copper and gold experienced a decline relative to 2024, with copper output decreasing by 14.0% and gold by 4%. This reduction is attributed to several operational factors, including variations in ore grades and recovery rates throughout the year.
Detailed Quarterly and Annual Production Analysis
The company provided a comprehensive breakdown of production metrics for the three months and full year ending December 31, 2025, compared to 2024. Key data points include:
- Ore Milled: 6,714,195 tonnes in 2025, slightly down from 6,741,127 tonnes in 2024.
- Copper Grade: Averaged 0.255% in 2025, a decrease from 0.292% in 2024.
- Gold Grade: Recorded at 0.254 g/t in 2025, compared to 0.263 g/t in 2024.
- Copper Recovery Rate: 81.4% in 2025, down from 82.3% in the previous year.
- Gold Recovery Rate: 68.5% in 2025, showing minimal change from 68.6% in 2024.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, mill feed primarily originated from Phase 5 operations and low-grade stockpiles, contributing to lower overall grades and reduced copper recovery during that period. The Springer Pit's Phase 4 and 5 pushbacks supplied approximately half of the mill feed, with the remainder sourced from stockpiles. Phase 4 mining activities are scheduled for completion in February 2026, marking a transitional phase in the mine's operational strategy.
2026 Production Targets and Operational Outlook
Looking ahead, Imperial Metals has set its 2026 production targets for the Mount Polley mine at 19 to 21 million pounds of copper and 40,000 to 44,000 ounces of gold. The company plans to source the majority of mill feed from the Phase 5 pushback in the Springer Pit, supplemented by low-grade stockpiles to ensure consistent mill supply. This strategic approach aims to optimize resource utilization while maintaining production stability in the coming year.
Additionally, the company noted that production results for the Red Chris mine in 2025 will be released once reconciled information is received from Newmont Corporation, indicating ongoing collaborative efforts in the mining industry.
Exploration Updates and Future Prospects
Imperial Metals also provided an update on its 2025 Phase 2 exploration program at Mount Polley, which focused on three primary objectives:
- Testing a high-grade zone beneath the Wight Pit, as previously announced in a January 2026 news release.
- Expanding and defining mineralization boundaries for a potential C2 open pit expansion, including identifying higher gold grade zones at depth.
- Conducting depth extension tests beneath the previously mined Bell Pit, with two drill holes completed for this purpose.
The exploration intervals were analyzed for both total copper and non-sulphide copper content, with the ratio of non-sulphide to total copper being a critical factor in determining recovery rates from the often highly oxidized near-surface mineralization in the C2 zone. These efforts reflect the company's commitment to resource expansion and long-term viability of the Mount Polley operation.
This comprehensive update from Imperial Metals Corporation highlights the dynamic nature of the mining industry in Canada, showcasing both achievements and strategic adjustments in response to operational challenges and market conditions.
