Imperial Provides Update on Red Chris 2025 Production and Production Guidance for 2026
MWN-AI** Summary
Imperial Metals Corporation announced significant updates regarding its Red Chris mine operations. In 2025, the Red Chris site produced 93,101,213 pounds of copper and 92,429 ounces of gold, representing an increase from 2024’s production of 85,320,618 pounds of copper and 59,811 ounces of gold. This uptick was driven by improved ore grades and enhanced gold recovery. Notably, the results surpassed Imperial's initial production guidance of 88 million pounds of copper and 86,000 ounces of gold for the year.
Imperial holds a 30% interest in Red Chris, contributing 27,930,364 pounds of copper and 27,729 ounces of gold in 2025, compared to 25,596,185 pounds of copper and 17,943 ounces of gold in the previous year. The company is currently advancing a feasibility study for a potential block cave expansion at the mine, with permitting activities also underway. Finalization of the feasibility study and the joint venture approval are expected by the latter half of 2026.
For 2026, Newmont Mining Corporation, which operates the Red Chris mine, projects production levels to decline, estimating between 60-66 million pounds of copper and 47,500-52,500 ounces of gold. This anticipated decrease is attributed to a planned mining sequence that will focus on processing lower grade ore while preparing for the next phase of open pit mining operations.
Imperial's Vice President of Corporate Development, Steve Robertson, has verified the production disclosures noted in the announcement. As a reminder, the company advised that the forward-looking statements regarding future production and operations are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual outcomes may differ significantly from projected results.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Imperial Metals Corporation's recent update regarding the Red Chris mine provides a mixed narrative for investors, characterized by both significant achievements and a cautious outlook. The impressive 2025 production figures—93.1 million pounds of copper and 92,429 ounces of gold—represented notable increases from 2024, exceeding guidance expectations. This demonstrates not only operational efficiency but also the potential robustness of Imperial's asset base.
However, guidance for 2026 indicates a marked decline in production, with Newmont Mining's projections suggesting a decrease to 60-66 million pounds of copper and 47,500-52,500 ounces of gold. This decline is attributed to adjustments in mining sequences that necessitate the extraction of lower-grade ores and the inevitable stripping required for future open-pit operations. Investors must approach this anticipated downturn with caution, as it may impact revenue and cash flow in the short term.
On a positive note, the ongoing feasibility study for a block cave expansion could pave the way for enhanced future production capabilities, highlighting Imperial’s strategic foresight in developing its assets. Investors should keep a close watch on the outcomes of this study, expected in the second half of 2026, as it could be a catalyst for long-term growth.
Overall, while Imperial's solid 2025 results demonstrate operational strength, the forecast for 2026 and beyond invites prudence. Investors might consider taking a balanced position—acknowledging the company's potential while being prepared for the possible volatility that could accompany the transition to lower-grade ore extraction. Keeping abreast of the progress on the feasibility study and navigating the changing dynamics in commodity markets will be crucial for any investment decisions regarding Imperial Metals Corporation.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Metals Corporation (the “Company” or “Imperial”) (TSX:III) reports that 2025 metal production from Red Chris (100% basis) was 93,101,213 pounds of copper and 92,429 ounces of gold, up from 85,320,618 pounds of copper and 59,811 ounces of gold in 2024, on higher grades for both metals and higher recovery for gold. Red Chris exceeded its 2025 production guidance of 88 million pounds of copper and 86,000 ounces of gold for the calendar year 2025.
Imperial’s 30% share of Red Chris mine production for 2025 was 27,930,364 pounds of copper up from 25,596,185 pounds copper in 2024 and 27,729 ounces of gold up from 17,943 ounces gold in 2024.
The Red Chris feasibility study for a block cave expansion operation is advancing, as are permitting activities to support the underground project. Completion of the feasibility study and, subject to the study outcomes, joint venture approval are expected in the second half of 2026.
Newmont Mining Corporation’s guidance for Red Chris mine production (100%) is 60 – 66 million pounds of copper and 47,500 – 52,500 ounces of gold for the calendar year 2026. Both copper and gold production are expected to be lower in 2026 at Red Chris as the mining sequence provides for mining lower grade ore and stockpile processing during the year while stripping for the next open pit mining phase.
Steve Robertson, P.Geo., Imperial’s Vice President Corporate Development, has reviewed the production disclosures contained in this news release and is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
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.
Imperial Contacts
Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959
Steve Robertson| VP Corporate Development | 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: expectations that the Red Chris mine feasibility study for a block cave expansion operation and permitting activities to support the underground project will continue to advance with completion of the feasibility study and joint venture approval (subject to the study outcomes) expected in the second half of 2026; guidance on production for the Red Chris mine; and expectations that production and ore grades for both gold and copper at the Red Chris mine will be lower due to the planned mining sequence, stockpile processing and stripping necessary to prepare the next open pit mining phase.
In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “is targeted”, “targets”, “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 interim and annual financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis of those statements, and the Company’s current Annual Information Form, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. 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.
FAQ**
How does Imperial Metals Corp (IPMLF) plan to navigate the expected decrease in copper and gold production at the Red Chris mine in 2026, and what strategies are in place to mitigate potential impacts on revenue?
Given the feasibility study for a block cave expansion at the Red Chris mine, what are Imperial Metals Corp (IPMLF) management’s expectations regarding funding and joint venture partnerships once the study is completed in the second half of 2026?
With Imperial Metals Corp (IPMLF) reporting increased production in 2025, how does the company intend to leverage these results to attract investment and support for its 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia?
What specific risk factors does Imperial Metals Corp (IPMLF) anticipate could affect the outcomes of its forward-looking statements related to production estimates and future operations at the Red Chris mine?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Imperial Metals Corporation (TSXC: III:CC).
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