Imperial Metals (TSX:III) announced August 26 that it has entered into an agreement with the Tahltan Central Council (TCC) over the Red Chris mine project.
The arrangement will see a detailed independent engineering review of the tailings impoundment at the mine to make sure it meets world-class standards in terms of design, engineering, operation and construction.
The third-party reviewer will be chosen by the TCC. If any material issues are discovered, Imperial has agreed to address them in a way that is satisfactory to the First Nations group.
The review will be completed by September 24.
This agreement was approved by the Klabona Keepers Elders Society which is significant as earlier this month, the Klabona Keepers had blockaded the Red Chris mine – a move which was not endorsed by the TCC.
Relations between First Nations and Imperial Metals have suffered as a result of the August 4 disaster at the Mount Polley mine that saw a tailings pond breach pollute local water sources. Earlier this month, Imperial was issued an eviction notices by the Neskonlith Indian Band over the Ruddock Creek zinc-lead mine project. Other mining companies in the province have also suffered as a result of the breach.
-With files from Nelson Bennett
