Imperial Metals judged ‘not liable’ for Mount Polley spill

VANCOUVER — After 16 months of deliberation, B.C.’s chief mine inspector has concluded that Imperial Metals (TSX: III; US-OTC: IPMLF) will not be held liable for the catastrophic failure of its Mount Polley gold and copper tailings dam and storage facility, 56 km northwest of Williams Lake, BC. The investigative report states that the dam failed because the design of the original facility and subsequent raises did not consider the strength and location of an underlying clay unit. However, this crucial geotechnical oversight did not contravene any existing mining laws, according to the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines. In a press release, the ministry commented that the company exercised “weak practices” during the mines’ operation, but there wasn’t enough evidence to warrant further investigation and penalty. Read the complete article at NorthernMiner.com/news/imperial-metals