Imperial Metals has released its production figures for the first quarter of 2024, showcasing notable increases in copper and gold output from its Mount Polley and Red Chris mines. The total production for the quarter reached 12.353 million pounds of copper and 12,861 ounces of gold. Specifically, Mount Polley contributed 7.355 million pounds of copper and 10,009 ounces of gold, while Imperial’s 30% share of the Red Chris mine yielded 4.998 million pounds of copper and 2,852 ounces of gold.
At Mount Polley, the first quarter of 2024 saw a significant rise in mill throughput, up 20.3% to 1.671 million tonnes compared to 1.389 million tonnes in the same quarter of the previous year. Despite a slight decrease in ore grade and recovery rates, the increased throughput led to a 10.1% rise in copper production from the previous year’s figures. Gold production remained relatively stable.
Operational enhancements at Mount Polley include nearing completion of tailings removal from the Springer pit, anticipated by early May. Additionally, the mine has initiated stripping for the Phase 5 pushback of the Springer pit, with approximately 1.7 million tonnes of waste removed by the end of March 2024.
Comparatively, the Red Chris mine (100% basis) reported an increase in copper production to 16.660 million pounds and a slight decrease in gold output to 9,507 ounces for the first quarter of 2024. This compares to 11.590 million pounds of copper and 10,496 ounces of gold produced during the same period in 2023. 
