Imperial Provides Update on Mount Polley 2025 Production and Exploration

Core Viewpoint - Imperial Metals Corporation reported that the Mount Polley mine exceeded its 2025 copper production target and met its gold production target, despite a decline in both copper and gold output compared to 2024 [1][2]. Production Summary - In 2025, Mount Polley mine produced 30.715 million pounds of copper and 37,555 ounces of gold, surpassing the copper target of 25.0 – 27.0 million pounds and meeting the gold target of 35 - 40 thousand ounces [1]. - The total ore treated in 2025 was 6,714,195 tonnes, which remained flat compared to 2024 [2]. - Copper production decreased by 14.0% from 2024, while gold production decreased by 4% [2]. Operational Details - The fourth quarter's mill feed primarily came from Phase 5 and low-grade stockpiles, resulting in lower grades and copper recovery [3]. - The Phase 4 and 5 pushbacks of the Springer Pit contributed approximately 50% of the mill feed during the quarter, with the remainder sourced from lower-grade stockpiles [3]. - The 2026 production target for Mount Polley is set at 19 - 21 million pounds of copper and 40,000 - 44,000 ounces of gold [4]. Exploration Update - The 2025 Phase 2 exploration program aimed to test high-grade zones and expand mineralization boundaries, with significant results reported from drilling in the C2 zone [6][9]. - Notable drill hole C2-25-123 intersected 82.5 metres grading 0.45% copper and 0.88 g/t gold from a depth of 30.0 metres [9]. - Additional drilling beneath the Bell Pit successfully extended mineralization, with hole BD-25-37 intersecting 235.0 metres grading 0.22% copper and 0.27 g/t gold [18][19]. Future Plans - The next phase of diamond drilling is scheduled to commence in February 2026, focusing on the Bell Pit area following the successful results from the initial drilling campaign [19].