Imperial Metals Corporation reported operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended 2021. Red Chris production (100%) for the 2021 fourth quarter was 14.7 million pounds copper and 13,600 ounces gold compared to 17.2 million pounds copper and 15,200 ounces gold in the 2021 third quarter, primarily due to lower mill throughput with 2,124,732 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to 2,543,495 tonnes in the prior quarter. The throughput was impacted by processing clay rich ores early in the reporting period impacting primary crusher availability, as well as weather-related BC Hydro power outages. This was partially offset by higher gold recoveries (59.7% versus 55.6%), reflecting the benefit of increased cleaner capacity.

The company reported that the total 2021 metals production for the Red Chris mine was 65.4 million pounds copper and 60,200 ounces gold. Copper and gold production decreased 25.9% and 18.5% respectfully, compared to 88.3 million pounds copper and 73,800 ounces gold produced in 2020. The decreased 2021 metal production was a result of lower grades, with the copper grade down 24% and the gold grade down 21% from 2020 levels. Copper recovery was down 2% year on year to 79% while gold recovery increased 3% to 56% in 2021. Mill throughput for the year decreased about 0.6% with the rate averaging 25,546 tonnes per day.