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National Observer
25-06-2025
- Business
- National Observer
First Nation battles to stop history repeating at Mount Polley mine
More than a decade after the catastrophic collapse of the Mount Polley tailings dam, a BC First Nation is back in court this week challenging the province's decision to approve expansion of a dam at the same mine. The 2014 collapse of the tailings dam at the Mount Polley copper and gold mine operated by Imperial Metals — sent a massive volume of mine waste into local lakes and rivers, causing widespread environmental damage from which the ecosystem is still recovering. Despite this history, the province recently approved an expansion of the dam at the site northeast of Williams Lake — allowing the tailings dam to be raised by four metres — from its current height of 60 metres. The dam holds tailings — the leftover materials and water from processing ore. The company says the expansion is needed to continue storing this waste as mining continues. Xatśūll First Nation is asking the court for an injunction to prevent the company from depositing any new mining waste into the expanded section of the facility until a full judicial review is complete. 'The mine basically patched up its tailings and got a permit to start operating again. Now, they're proposing to keep raising the dam height — literally on the same dam that busted out,' said Nikki Skuce, director of the Northern Confluence and co-chair of the BC Mining Law Reform Network, a coalition of organizations and experts advocating for stronger mining laws and environmental protections in BC. 'It's totally understandable that local First Nations and communities want more oversight.' The First Nation argues the province approved the expansion based on narrow engineering rules under the Mines Act, without doing a full environmental assessment or properly consulting the affected Nation, as required by BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 'We are standing up to demand accountability, transparency and a proper assessment process that respects Indigenous knowledge and law,' said Rhonda Phillips, chief of Xatśūll First Nation in the press release. The company has also signalled an intent to raise the dam by a further 13 metres in the near future and expand pits at the mine. 'The mine basically patched up its tailings and got a permit to start operating again. Now, they're proposing to keep raising the dam height — literally on the same dam that busted out,' said Nikki Skuce, director of the Northern Confluence. The hearings are scheduled to continue until Friday, and soon after, the court is expected to decide whether to extend the current hold it set in May on Mount Polley's use of the higher tailings dam beyond July 1, 2025. This will make sure no lasting environmental damage happens while the court takes its time to decide — a process that could stretch out for weeks or even months. If the court doesn't extend the hold, Mount Polley could start using the expanded dam before a final decision is made. Legacy of disaster and distrust In 2014, the Mount Polley dam failed, spilling 25 million cubic metres of contaminated water and mine waste into Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek and Quesnel Lake — waters that are central to salmon runs and local livelihoods. A 2015 report commissioned by the province found the original failure was due to poor design and not accounting for weak glacial silt beneath the tailings facility. For years before the breach, the province had allowed Imperial Metals to raise the dam by over 40 metres — about the height of a 12-storey building — without fully reassessing the risks. The breach dumped tonnes of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic into the watershed, with impacts that Xatśūll communities say continue to affect their territory and way of life. 'Mount Polley was responsible for the largest environmental mining disaster in BC history,' Skuce said. 'And yet, up until last year, there were no charges laid against the company. Instead, there have just been permits to continue.' In December 2024, federal prosecutors approved 15 charges under the Fisheries Act against Imperial Metals, Mount Polley Mining Corporation, and engineering firm Wood Canada Ltd., with potential fines ranging from $500,000 to $6 million. This dispute also highlights growing tension in BC between mining projects and Indigenous land rights, especially as mines are increasing in size and are often being developed in more remote locations, including watersheds that support salmon populations, said Jamie Kneen of MiningWatch Canada. 'These processes were put in place and the regulations were put in place because we were having problems. It wasn't because somebody felt like imposing restrictions on industry,' he said. The Mount Polley case is also highlighted in a report by the BC Mining Law Reform Network. The report profiles 12 of BC's most polluting and risky mines, arguing that the province's push to fast-track mining approvals risks repeating past mistakes and undermines both environmental protection and Indigenous rights. Skuce warns that many recommendations from the Mount Polley disaster remain unimplemented and BC still allows the upstream tailings dam design used at Mount Polley — despite other countries like Brazil and Chile banning such structures after major failures. 'The province likes to claim it has the strongest environmental regulations, but that's a self-declared statement,' Skuce said. 'With examples like Mount Polley, Elk Valley selenium pollution, and others, we're a long way from being a responsible mining jurisdiction. We need to be strengthening our regulations and monitoring — not gutting them and bypassing them.' Phillips said the Nation is not against mining, but wants to ensure it is done responsibly and in a way that honours their role as stewards of the land. At the same time, the leaders are concerned the province's decision to bypass environmental assessment and consultation could undermine reconciliation and set a dangerous precedent for resource development across BC. 'This moment is about more than just one mine,' Phillips said. 'It's about the legal and moral obligation to uphold Indigenous rights across BC and beyond. We need to maintain balance in decision making to ensure short-term decisions do not have long-term negative consequences for generations to come.'
Economic Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Mount Polley mine faces major setback as First Nation fights to prevent another environmental crisis
The British Columbia Supreme Court halted Mount Polley Mining Corporation's tailings dam expansion until July 2025, siding with the Xatśūll First Nation's claim of inadequate consultation and environmental review. This decision underscores the tension between mining projects and Indigenous rights, prompting a deeper examination of consultation processes following a previous catastrophic dam collapse in 2014. The BC Supreme Court has ordered Mount Polley Mining Corporation to halt its tailings dam expansion until at least July 1, 2025. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The British Columbia Supreme Court has ordered Mount Polley Mining Corporation to stop its plan to raise the height of its tailings dam . The court said the expansion cannot go ahead until at least July 1, decision follows a legal challenge by the Xatśūll First Nation . The First Nation says the province approved the dam expansion without proper consultation or a full environmental review. They argue the decision goes against British Columbia's own rules on Indigenous province had allowed the company to raise the dam by four metres. It said the increase was needed to manage heavy spring runoff and had gone through technical checks and some the Xatśūll First Nation disagreed. They said the process was rushed and ignored serious environmental fear is not unfounded. In 2014, the tailings dam at the same Mount Polley mine collapsed. That disaster released about 25 million cubic metres of mine waste into nearby lakes and rivers. It became one of the worst environmental events in B.C.'s company that owns the mine, Imperial Metals, says it still has enough space in the tailings facility for now. It says it doesn't need the extra capacity from the expansion until July 2025. The company has also agreed to wait and not move forward with raising the dam until that time.A hearing on the issue is set to resume on June 24, 2025. The Xatśūll First Nation plans to ask the court to keep the block on the expansion in place until the full legal review is case highlights growing tension in B.C. between mining projects and Indigenous land rights. It also raises bigger questions about how governments consult First Nations on decisions that impact their land and now, the court has sent a clear message: more caution and deeper consultation are needed when it comes to projects that carry environmental and cultural risks.
Globe and Mail
11-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Imperial Reports Mount Polley Operations and Construction Activities Continue
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Metals Corporation ('Imperial') (TSX:III) notes that a number of third parties, including news agencies, have incorrectly reported that an injunction was granted in respect of the construction and operation of the tailings storage facility at Imperial's Mount Polley mine. Imperial confirms that no such injunction was granted. Normal operations of the mine and construction of a four-metre raise of the tailings storage facility will continue. On May 8, 2025, Mr. Justice Weatherill of the Supreme Court of British Columbia heard an application for an interim injunction from Xatśūll First Nation regarding the decision to approve the aforementioned four-metre raise of the tailings storage facility. The Court adjourned the application until June 24, 2025 when both the underlying petition challenging the decision and the injunction will be heard and decided. Mount Polley Mining Corporation, Imperial's wholly-owned subsidiary, made clear at the hearing that although it continues with previously permitted use of the tailings storage facility, it did not anticipate needing to use the four-metre raise currently under construction until July 1, 2025 at the earliest, and agreed to provide an undertaking to the Court to that effect. The result of yesterday's hearing was that the matter would be heard in June, 2025 and no injunction was issued. About Imperial Imperial is a Vancouver based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia. Company Contacts Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959 Darb S. Dhillon | Chief Financial Officer | 604.669.8959 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release are not statements of historical fact and are 'forward-looking' statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Imperial management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Imperial's expectations and timing with respect to the construction and operation of the tailings storage facility at the Mount Polley mine, including the four-metre lift currently under construction; the anticipated timing of the judicial review and injunction hearing; the judicial review process taking longer than anticipated; the possibility that the outcome of the judicial review could result in material changes to the provincial permitting process; the potential for the injunction to restrict both construction and production activities for an extended period or indefinitely after July 1, 2025; the Company's and MPMC's expectations regarding their relationships with Indigenous communities, including Xatśūll; expectations regarding the ongoing engagement with Xatśūll and other Indigenous communities during the permitting process; and other risks outlined in statements made by Imperial from time to time in the filings made by Imperial with securities regulators. Imperial disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "outlook", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Imperial to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, Imperial has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to Imperial as well as Imperial's current beliefs and assumptions. These factors and assumptions and beliefs and assumptions include, the risk factors detailed from time to time in Imperial's annual information form, interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at Although Imperial has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, many of which are beyond Imperial's ability to control or predict. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and all forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mount Polley mine faces major setback as First Nation fights to prevent another environmental crisis
The British Columbia Supreme Court has ordered Mount Polley Mining Corporation to stop its plan to raise the height of its tailings dam . The court said the expansion cannot go ahead until at least July 1, 2025. #Operation Sindoor India responds to Pak's ceasefire violation; All that happened India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: Who said what Punjab's hopes for normalcy dimmed by fresh violations This decision follows a legal challenge by the Xatśūll First Nation . The First Nation says the province approved the dam expansion without proper consultation or a full environmental review. They argue the decision goes against British Columbia's own rules on Indigenous rights. Also Read: Another Canada Post strike? Here's what could happen after May 22 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by The province had allowed the company to raise the dam by four metres. It said the increase was needed to manage heavy spring runoff and had gone through technical checks and some consultations. But the Xatśūll First Nation disagreed. They said the process was rushed and ignored serious environmental concerns. Live Events Their fear is not unfounded. In 2014, the tailings dam at the same Mount Polley mine collapsed. That disaster released about 25 million cubic metres of mine waste into nearby lakes and rivers. It became one of the worst environmental events in B.C.'s history. The company that owns the mine, Imperial Metals, says it still has enough space in the tailings facility for now. It says it doesn't need the extra capacity from the expansion until July 2025. The company has also agreed to wait and not move forward with raising the dam until that time. Also Read: Earth's 'twin' is not dead but very much 'alive'; NASA's latest discovery explained A hearing on the issue is set to resume on June 24, 2025. The Xatśūll First Nation plans to ask the court to keep the block on the expansion in place until the full legal review is over. This case highlights growing tension in B.C. between mining projects and Indigenous land rights. It also raises bigger questions about how governments consult First Nations on decisions that impact their land and environment. For now, the court has sent a clear message: more caution and deeper consultation are needed when it comes to projects that carry environmental and cultural risks.
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Imperial Reports Mount Polley Operations and Construction Activities Continue
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Metals Corporation ('Imperial') (TSX:III) notes that a number of third parties, including news agencies, have incorrectly reported that an injunction was granted in respect of the construction and operation of the tailings storage facility at Imperial's Mount Polley mine. Imperial confirms that no such injunction was granted. Normal operations of the mine and construction of a four-metre raise of the tailings storage facility will continue. On May 8, 2025, Mr. Justice Weatherill of the Supreme Court of British Columbia heard an application for an interim injunction from Xatśūll First Nation regarding the decision to approve the aforementioned four-metre raise of the tailings storage facility. The Court adjourned the application until June 24, 2025 when both the underlying petition challenging the decision and the injunction will be heard and decided. Mount Polley Mining Corporation, Imperial's wholly-owned subsidiary, made clear at the hearing that although it continues with previously permitted use of the tailings storage facility, it did not anticipate needing to use the four-metre raise currently under construction until July 1, 2025 at the earliest, and agreed to provide an undertaking to the Court to that effect. The result of yesterday's hearing was that the matter would be heard in June, 2025 and no injunction was issued. About Imperial Imperial is a Vancouver based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia. Company Contacts Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959 Darb S. Dhillon | Chief Financial Officer | 604.669.8959 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release are not statements of historical fact and are 'forward-looking' statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Imperial management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Imperial's expectations and timing with respect to the construction and operation of the tailings storage facility at the Mount Polley mine, including the four-metre lift currently under construction; the anticipated timing of the judicial review and injunction hearing; the judicial review process taking longer than anticipated; the possibility that the outcome of the judicial review could result in material changes to the provincial permitting process; the potential for the injunction to restrict both construction and production activities for an extended period or indefinitely after July 1, 2025; the Company's and MPMC's expectations regarding their relationships with Indigenous communities, including Xatśūll; expectations regarding the ongoing engagement with Xatśūll and other Indigenous communities during the permitting process; and other risks outlined in statements made by Imperial from time to time in the filings made by Imperial with securities regulators. Imperial disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'outlook', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate', or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved' or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Imperial to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
