Imperial Metals updates Red Chris block cave plan and reports Q3 output
Imperial Metals reported progress on the Red Chris block cave feasibility study and third-quarter copper and gold output from two British Columbia mines.
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what happened
Imperial Metals said the feasibility study for the Red Chris block cave project in British Columbia is nearing completion. A full funds investment decision is now expected in early 2027, with construction planned for 2027 and first production targeted for 2033. Imperial holds a 30% stake in the joint venture, while Newmont is the operator.
In the third quarter of 2026, Imperial's consolidated output was 8.535 million pounds of copper and 11,648 ounces of gold, counting its 30% share of Red Chris and 100% of Mount Polley. Red Chris copper output fell 29% and gold fell 43% year over year, which the company linked to lower grades and recoveries. Mount Polley output rose from the previous quarter.
why it matters
For copper and gold markets, the key signal is future supply: the project has a long mine life, but its start is pushed back to the 2030s. Current quarterly figures show weaker Red Chris output, which the company attributes to ore quality.
market impact
Copper and gold: Red Chris adds supply only from 2033, while current output is declining
tags
instruments
sources
- Imperial Reports Red Chris Mine Block Cave Planning Progress and 2026 Third Quarter Production Update — globenewswire.com, 22 October 2026 at 23:12 UTC
prepared by the newsmetry newsroom with ai assistance from the sources listed below. not investment advice.
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