First production of copper concentrate at Red Chris mine

The commissioning of the Red Chris mill is progressing well. Vancouver-based Imperial Metals Corporation (III-TSX) has announced the commissioning of

The commissioning of the Red Chris mill is progressing well.

Vancouver-based Imperial Metals Corporation (III-TSX) has announced the commissioning of the Red Chris mill is progressing well.

Both the SAG and ball mill drive systems have been operated at 100% load factors. As a result, the flotation circuits and secondary regrind mill are being commissioned with low grade ore, resulting in the first production of copper concentrate.

Mining activities in both the East and Main zones continue to advance, utilizing the P&H 2800 electric cable shovel and CAT 793 haul truck fleet.

In earlier news, testing of the grinding circuit began on February 3. The SAG and ball mill grinding circuit has been test run at 25% and 50% power levels, the tank cell mechanisms have been run, and the water reclaim and tailings lines have also delivered water to the mill, and the slurry from the test runs to the tailings storage facility. Mining in both the East and Main zones continues to advance. As a result, there is a selection of ore styles available for mill optimization.

The Company continues to work closely with the Tahltan First Nation, whose cooperation has been instrumental in the construction of the Red Chris mine - an important milestone for the Tahltan, Imperial and the Province of British Columbia.

About Imperial Metals

Imperial is an exploration, mine development and operating company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company recently commenced commissioning activities at 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.