Mount Polley
Exploration* at Mount Polley in 2010 was highlighted by completion of the first underground development at the property. The underground ramp at the Boundary zone was completed on February 18, 2011 at a total length of 502 metres, of which 25 metres of this length was in mineralized breccia. The results of 22 probe holes extending 6.5 metres on each side of the ramp, ahead of each round through the mineralized zone. Within the target zone, assays from some of these probe holes returned copper values exceeding 4%.
Underground diamond drilling designed to provide detailed information for stope design underway. At the completion of this drilling, the results will be used to determine the underground mining potential of this zone.
On surface at the Boundary zone, drilling focused on the area of the proposed open pit, particularly in the ramp area. Areas of near surface mineralization were further defined by 40 metre rotary holes. Surface drilling in the Boundary zone is currently on standby to allow for engineering work to optimize the mine plan in the Boundary pit area.
Exploration continues at the WX zone where 24,440 metres of diamond drilling was completed in 2010. Mineralization has been discovered near surface, adjacent to the main haul road in the north end of the zone. Close spaced rotary drilling provided better definition of this near surface material. Mineralization in the WX zone at depth was also further defined to the south and has now been established over a strike of 350 metres. Drilling continues in this area.
In 2011 Imperial plans to initiate exploration at depth beneath the Cariboo pit. In that area, historic drilling from the pre-mining era was less than 200 metres deep.
For additional information, refer to the Company's Quarter Reports, Annual Information Form, or 43-101 Technical Report dated August 1, 2004 [www.sedar.com].