Imperial Metals (III-T) June 19, '15 Red Chris gold and copper mine, situated on one of the largest and highest-quality copper and gold deposits in the world, will soon be in full production, providing family-supporting jobs and economic benefits for first nations and all British Columbians.
The Red Chris mine, which will employ 350 workers, including many first nations people, is located about 18 kilometres southeast of the Tahltan village of Iskut and 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake, and the site occupies around 660 hectares on the Todagin Plateau between Ealue and Kluea Lakes.
Today, the Ministry of Energy and Mines issued the Mines Act permit amendment for the Red Chris mine. That means six new mines have opened since 2011.
To keep British Columbia's economy diverse, strong and growing, since September, 2011, the B.C. Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of the province's most competitive sectors utilizing B.C.'s own educated and skilled work force.
In April of this year, Tahltan Central Council members voted to accept a co-management agreement with Imperial Metals and Red Chris mine. The unique agreement ensures Tahltan oversight of environmental issues surrounding the mine. It also guarantees training and careers for Tahltan members, and a revenue-sharing agreement.
The tailings storage facility (TSF) at Red Chris mine has been the subject of three independent reviews -- including one commissioned by the Tahltan Central Council -- to assess seepage and design considerations. The mine has also done an extensive review of its subsurface hydrogeology and has made adjustments as per third party review recommendations. The mine has successfully demonstrated to the chief inspector of mines that the TSF has performed as designed.
The mine is serviced by the new Northwest Transmission Line, which was completed in 2014. Copper and gold from the mine will be transported to the Port of Stewart, where it will be shipped to overseas markets.
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett said: "This is a significant achievement made possible through a tremendous amount of collaboration between Imperial Metals, the Tahltan Central Council and this government. This mine will provide hundreds of good-paying jobs for members of the Tahltan Nation and residents of the nearby communities.
"We've come a long way since the 1990s when the reputation of B.C.'s mining industry was severely damaged. The opening of the Red Chris mine is further evidence that the mining industry now sees B.C. as a good choice for investment."
Tahltan Central Council president Chad Day said: "Expanding the mine to its intended capacity will make the jobs, training and other benefits that we are using to build our nation possible. From here on, our environmental oversight role -- an important part of our agreement -- will also start to expand."
Imperial Metals president Brian Kynoch said: "Imperial appreciates the opportunity to work in one of the world's best mining jurisdictions. Receipt of our final Mines Act permit at Red Chris is another milestone in our path toward establishing Imperial as a major employer and industry player in the province of British Columbia."
About Imperial
Imperial is an exploration, mine development and operating company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company is commissioning the Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia. The Company operates 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.
Imperial Contact Information
Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959
Gordon Keevil | Vice President Corporate Development | 604.488.2677
Sabine Goetz | Shareholder Communications | 604.488.2657 | investor@imperialmetals.com |
