Imperial pulls plug on mine

Vancouver — In yet another blow to British Columbia’s beleaguered mining industry, Imperial Metals (IPM-T) will suspend operations at its wholly owned Mount Polley copper-gold mine, near Williams Lake.

The suspension, which takes effect in late September, is based on low prices for copper and gold. About 240 workers will be laid off as a result.

Production is expected to resume when metal prices improve.

The open-pit copper-gold mine produced 8.5 million lbs. copper and 24,000 oz. gold during the quarter ended March 31.

Milling grades during the 3-month period were 0.31% for copper and 0.58 gram gold per tonne.

Last year, Imperial acquired the 47.5% stake it did not already hold in the mine from Japan-based Sumitomo for $4.5 million in cash.

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