Imperial to surrender Giant Copper property to the Province of British Columbia

Imperial has held Giant Copper since April 1988. The claim area hosts two mineral deposits containing copper, silver, and gold and a recently discovered gold showing. The claim area predates the creation of Manning Park and the Skagit Valley Provincial Park, which now surround the claim area.

In 1995, following a public review process, the Province designated almost 30 000 ha. as the Skagit Valley Provincial Park, while allowing mineral exploration in the 2500 ha. claim area. Imperial at the time surrendered some of its claims along the Skagit River to enhance what would become the Skagit Valley Provincial Park, in return for a commitment to allow mineral exploration and possibly mining in the remaining Giant Copper claims.

The decision to now surrender all remaining claims recognises the challenges of obtaining mineral exploration and development permits in this area.

Brian Kynoch, President of Imperial, comments:

“Our objective as a mining company would have been to proceed with exploration of our claims. But as a company that is responsive to the aspirations of Indigenous communities, government, and neighbours we support this agreement.”

The consideration payable to Imperial for the surrender, covering all prior investment in the Giant Copper claim area, is CAN$24 million.

Copper plays an integral role in reducing carbon emissions and reaching Canada’s 2050 net zero goals. One of the largest sources of emissions in North America is the transportation sector. Petroleum based cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains produce over 2.09 billion t of carbon every year. Today, 3% of vehicles are battery powered. By 2050, 60% of all vehicles will be electric powered. But to make the carbon emission-free batteries to power our vehicles, car, and truck makers will need up to 14 times more nickel, copper, iron ore, lithium, and other rare earths.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/24012022/imperial-to-surrender-giant-copper-property-to-the-province-of-british-columbia/