Drilling at Mount Polley Intersects 11.0 Metres Grading 4.43% Copper, 1.53 g/t Gold and 41.7 g/t Silver
MWN-AI** Summary
Imperial Metals Corporation (TSX:III) has reported promising initial results from its 2025 Phase 2 Diamond Drill Program at the Mount Polley site. The first drill hole, designated WB-25-268, successfully intersected 11.0 meters of mineralization with an impressive grade of 4.43% copper, 1.53 g/t gold, and 41.7 g/t silver. This part of the program aimed to explore a high-grade zone beneath the previously mined Wight Pit and to assess the mineralization boundaries in the C2 zone, as well as determine depth extensions under the Bell Pit.
The hole was strategically positioned on the eastern periphery of the Wight Pit, targeting a known high-grade area within the Green zone adjacent to the Martel zone. Notably, the 11 meters of mineralization was located at a depth of 304.4 meters, revealing extensive occurrences of bornite and chalcopyrite, which are indicators of significant copper deposits. The drilling also uncovered additional higher-grade intervals, such as 9.6 meters grading 3.71% copper, pointing towards a potentially rich mineral resource at the site.
Commenting on the drilling findings, Jim Miller-Tait, VP of Exploration, noted that the results align with the company's expectations, reinforcing the viability of continued exploration in the area. With further assays pending, Imperial plans to expand its drilling efforts in 2026, particularly focusing on enhancing insights into the Martel zone, which has already been classified as an underground resource.
Imperial Metals continues to operate and develop its mining assets, alongside a diverse portfolio of exploration properties across British Columbia. The company's proactive approach in exploring Mount Polley's underreported zones presents a promising outlook for future resource developments.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent drilling results from Imperial Metals Corporation (TSX: III) at Mount Polley present a compelling case for investor interest in the company. The Phase 2 Diamond Drill Program's first hole, WB-25-268, revealed impressive intersections of 11.0 meters grading 4.43% copper, 1.53 g/t gold, and 41.7 g/t silver. These findings not only highlight the potential of the Green zone but also indicate the effectiveness of the company's advanced targeting techniques.
From a market perspective, the significant grades encountered suggest robust economic viability for continued exploration and eventual mining operations. Given the high copper and gold grades, coupled with substantial silver content, these drill results could enhance Mount Polley's profile within the mining sector, particularly as global demand for these metals continues to rise. Copper, in particular, is poised to benefit from increased consumption in electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy applications.
Investors should also consider that these results come from a program aimed at expanding existing resources and exploring new zones, which could increase the overall value of the property. As further results from the ongoing nine-hole program are released, momentum may build, potentially driving the stock price higher.
However, prospective investors should maintain awareness of the inherent risks in mining exploration, as reflected in the company's cautionary forward-looking statements. Geopolitical factors, fluctuating metal prices, and operational risks can impact stock performance.
In summary, for those looking to invest in the mining sector, Imperial Metals presents a promising opportunity, especially considering the significant drill results at Mount Polley. Nonetheless, a cautious approach is advisable, with close attention paid to further exploration outcomes and broader market conditions.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Metals Corporation (“Imperial” or the “Company”) (TSX:III) reports on the first diamond drill hole from the Mount Polley 2025 Phase 2 Diamond Drill Program which includes 11.0 metres with a grade of 4.43% copper, 1.53 g/t gold and 41.7 g/t silver. The nine hole Phase 2 program consisted of 3,718.3 metres.
The Mount Polley 2025 Phase 2 program had three goals; to test a high-grade zone beneath the Wight Pit (See Figure 1), to expand and determine the boundaries for mineralization in the higher gold grade encountered at depth in the C2 zone, and to test beneath the previously mined Bell Pit for depth extension using new targeting techniques successfully deployed in the Springer Pit. The results of the first hole drilled in this program have been received, with the remainder pending.
Figure 1: Wight Pit Drill Plan
Drill hole WB-25-268 was collared on the eastern edge of the previously mined Wight Pit and targeted a high-grade area located in the Green zone, adjacent to the Martel zone, at depth beneath the Wight Pit (See Figure 2). The goal of drill hole WB-25-268 was to test the continuity and further define the high-grade zone originally defined by holes WB-05-189 (15.0 metres grading 3.1% copper, 0.33 g/t gold, and 20.1 g/t silver) and WB-04-179 (12.4 metres grading 6.7% copper, 3.65 g/t gold, and 44.8 g/t silver).
Figure 2: Wight Pit Drill Cross Section
Hole WB-25-268 intercepted a hydrothermal fragmental potassic-altered breccia hosting significant bornite and chalcopyrite cement at the target depth that returned from 304.4 metres, 11.0 metres grading 4.43% copper, 1.53 g/t gold and 41.7 g/t silver. In addition to the mineralization intercepted in the targeted zone the hole intersected a number of other higher-grade sections, both above and below the targeted area, including 9.6 metres grading 3.71% copper, 0.42 g/t gold and 9.89 g/t silver starting at 272.5 metres.
Table 1. Drill results from WB-25-268
| Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m) | Copper (%) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) |
| WB-25-268 | 254.6 | 256.1 | 1.5 | 3.58 | 0.07 | 13.6 |
| and | 272.5 | 282.1 | 9.6 | 3.71 | 0.42 | 9.89 |
| and | 304.4 | 315.4 | 11.0 | 4.43 | 1.53 | 41.7 |
| and | 414.6 | 420.7 | 6.1 | 1.16 | 0.36 | 7.0 |
| and | 467.5 | 500.0 | 32.5 | 0.60 | 0.28 | 4.4 |
| and | 542.5 | 557.5 | 15.0 | 0.97 | 0.63 | 8.8 |
The higher silver to copper ratio returned in this hole is typical of mineralization in the northeast quadrant of the Mount Polley property. Additional diamond drilling will target this area in 2026.
The Martel zone has previously been defined as an underground resource (See Table 2).
Table 2. Martel zone Underground Resource
| Mount Polley Martel Underground Indicated Resource at January 1, 2025 | |||||||
| Grade | Contained Metal | ||||||
| Martel | Tonnes Ore | Copper % | Gold g/t | Silver g/t | Copper lbs | Gold Oz | Silver Oz |
| Underground | 2,272,000 | 1.14 | 0.30 | 7.20 | 57,344,000 | 22,000 | 526,000 |
* source Imperial 2024 AIF (March 31, 2025)
Jim Miller-Tait, P.Geo., Imperial’s VP Exploration, has reviewed this news release as the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the Mount Polley exploration program. Samples reported were analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd. located in Kamloops. A full QA/QC program using blanks, standards and duplicates was completed for all diamond drilling samples submitted to the labs. Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals.
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 exploration properties in British Columbia.
Company Contacts
Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959
Jim Miller-Tait | VP Exploration | jim.miller-tait@imperialmetals.com
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 the Company’s management’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations with respect to exploration drilling programs at Mount Polley; potential quantity and/or grade of minerals and the potential size of the mineralized zone. 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 the Company 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, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to the Company as well as the Company’s current beliefs and assumptions. These factors and assumptions and beliefs and assumptions include the risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company’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 www.sedarplus.com. Although the Company 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 the Company’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.
Figures accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26f1ab74-a874-4fa2-b5f2-59b218a76311
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/283ba931-bf9f-4991-959d-46eb26183339
FAQ**
What are the specific objectives of the Mount Polley 2025 Phase 2 Diamond Drill Program conducted by Imperial Metals Corporation III:CC, and how do the recent drill results align with these goals?
How does the mineralization grade obtained from drill hole WB-25-268 compare to previous drill results at Mount Polley and what implications might this have for Imperial Metals Corporation III:CC's future exploration strategies?
Can you elaborate on the significance of the higher silver to copper ratio observed in the recent drilling results for Imperial Metals Corporation III:CC, particularly in relation to potential profitability?
What are the anticipated next steps for Imperial Metals Corporation III:CC following the completion of the nine-hole Phase 2 program, particularly regarding further exploration in the Martel zone and surrounding areas?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Imperial Metals Corporation (TSXC: III:CC).
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