Imperial Metals has been given the go-ahead to raise its tailings storage facility by four metres in advance of the spring freshet.
Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, and Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, have released a statement about the mine Thursday, March 27, 2025.
"Today, as statutory decision-makers under the Environmental Assessment Act, we have made the decision to allow the Mount Polley Mining Corporation to raise the height of its tailings storage facility dam by four metres to ensure water can be managed safely in advance of spring freshet. The necessary permit for this work under the Mines Act has also been approved."
The ministers noted they recognize there are significant concerns around Mount Polley because of the breach in August 2014 that released 25 million cubic metres of water, tailings and debris into Quesnel Lake.
Since 2016, the mine has been operating under significantly stronger environmental standards, the ministers stated.
"Approvals for this change come after comprehensive technical reviews by experts, including external engineers, as well as consultation with First Nations.
"The application to raise the height of the tailings storage facility meets all required regulatory standards. This action is needed for the mine to continue operating safely, providing jobs for hundreds of people in the area."
The government confirmed staff in both our ministries will continue to closely monitor the mine to ensure it is operating under the highest standards and is meeting our strong regulatory requirements.
"What happened in 2014 can never happen again. Our strong requirements to protecting the environment are non-negotiable."
