September 1, 2025
British Columbia has given the green light to Imperial Metals for the expansion of the Springer pit at the Mount Polley copper-gold mine. This decision is expected to extend the mine's operations by approximately eight years. The approval follows a court ruling in August that upheld key permits challenged by a local First Nation.
The expansion will proceed under a provincial Mines Act permit amendment, as confirmed by Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson and Mining and Critical Minerals Minister Jagrup Brar. The ministers stated that the changes from the proposed expansion would not have significant effects.
The mine plan includes deepening the current pit, expanding rock-disposal areas, and isolating potentially acid-generating materials in the old Cariboo pit upon closure. Water treatment and release into Quesnel Lake will continue as permitted.
Mount Polley, located about 56 km northeast of Williams Lake, faced a significant tailings dam failure in 2014, which led to strengthened mining codes and oversight in British Columbia. Operations resumed in June 2022, and the mine produced 35.7 million pounds of copper and 39,108 ounces of gold last year.
The Environmental Assessment Office found that the mine plan changes are unlikely to result in significant effects, as the work remains within the mine's boundaries. Imperial Metals' controlling shareholder is Murray Edwards, who holds about 45% of the company.
Consultations with the Williams Lake First Nation and Xatśūll First Nation were part of the review process. The BC Supreme Court recently dismissed Xatśūll First Nation's challenge against the tailings-dam lift preceding the expansion. While the Williams Lake First Nation welcomed the ruling, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs opposed it.
The province emphasized that Mount Polley must adhere to strengthened safety regulations developed after the tailings incident, with further updates expected in 2024. Compliance and enforcement officers will continue to monitor the site.
Imperial Metals also owns 30% of the Red Chris mine, operated by Newmont. Recent exploration drilling at Mount Polley revealed promising assay results, including a step-out discovery north of the mill.
