Copper and gold miner Imperial Metals has secured a permit amendment from British Columbia authorities that will allow the company to extend mining activities at its Mount Polley operation.
The amendment was approved by the province’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals and the Minister of Environment and Parks under Mount Polley’s environmental assessment certificate. The expansion will remain within the existing mine site footprint and includes new pit development and expansion of rock-storage areas.
“Receiving this permit is good news for Imperial, our workers, the local community and our First Nations partners,” president Brian Kynoch said in the statement on Friday.
“We will be able to continue to provide good jobs and economic opportunities for the region. We will also continue to develop our exploration and mine planning to look for opportunities for further extension of the mine life. As always, we will follow regulatory processes and respectfully engage with Williams Lake First Nation and Xatśūll First Nation.”
The joint review leading to the approval included technical assessments, consultations with First Nations and coordination with regulatory agencies.