Imperial Reports Production Update for Red Chris Mine 2026 First Quarter

Press Release

Vancouver | April 23, 2026 | Imperial Metals Corporation (“Imperial”) (TSX:III) reports copper and gold production for the first quarter 2026 from Red Chris mine. Red Chris metal production (100%) for the first quarter of 2026 was 18.982 million pounds copper and 20,108 ounces gold. Both copper and gold production were down compared with the first quarter of 2025, with copper production down 18% and gold production down 7%. Imperial’s 30% share of Red Chris mine production was 5.695 million pounds copper and 6,032 ounces gold.

Red Chris Mine Production (100%) Three Months Ended March 31
2026 2025
Ore milled – tonnes 1,950,343 2,049,475
Ore milled per calendar day – tonnes 21,432 22,772
Grade % – copper 0.52 0.62
Grade g/t – gold 0.49 0.54
Recovery % – copper 85.4 82.6
Recovery % – gold 64.9 60.5
Copper – million pounds 18.982 23.126
Gold – ounces 20,108 21,663

Red Chris metal production (100%) for the first quarter of 2026 was 18.982 million pounds copper and 20,108 ounces gold, compared to 23.126 million pounds copper and 21,663 ounces gold produced during the same quarter of 2025. The decrease in copper production was a result of a 16% decrease in copper grade (0.52% versus 0.62%) with higher recovery and lower throughput. The decrease in gold production was a result of lower gold grade in the mill feed (0.49 g/t gold versus 0.54 g/t gold) and lower throughput, offset by better gold recovery (64.9% versus 60.5%) compared to the same quarter last year.

Both copper and gold production were however in line with the budgeted 2026 production, and the guidance for 2026 Red Chris production (100%) remains 60 – 66 million pounds of copper and 47,500 – 52,500 ounces of gold.

Steve Robertson, P. Geo., Imperial’s Vice President Corporate Development, has reviewed the above disclosures contained in this news release and is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Imperial

Imperial is a Vancouver based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia.

Company Contacts

Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959

Steve Robertson | Vice President Corporate Development | 604. 669.8959

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