Imperial Metals Corporation (TSX:III) reports initial diamond drill results from the Mount Polley 2025 exploration program with a notable interval of 152.5 metres grading 0.46% copper and 0.97 g/t gold starting from a depth of 282.5 metres, including 85.0 metres grading 0.67% copper and 1.56 g/t gold starting at 285.0 metres in C2 Zone diamond drill hole C2-25-121.

The C2 Zone is located immediately south of the Cariboo Pit and, similar to the Cariboo and the WX zones, gold values in the mineralization of the C2 Zone exceed copper values. Also, much of the copper mineralization near surface and along faults in this zone is oxidized which results in lower copper recovery in processing. Given the recent increase in gold price, exploration priority has been given to the C2 Zone. This year’s drilling in the C2 Zone has been designed to fill gaps in the historic drilling to provide the information required to design an expanded pit in this area, and to target a higher-grade zone at depth.

The significant mineralization intercepts are highlighted below.

*Copper Oxide Ratio % = (CuOx%/Total Cu%)*100

Holes C2-25-116, C2-25-117 and C2-25-119 targeted gaps in drilling that would potentially fall within an expanded pit in the C2 Zone. Holes C2-25-116 and C2-25-117 were successful and intersected significant gold and copper values over considerable intervals.

Hole C2-25-116 intersected 35.0 metres grading 0.31% copper and 0.62 g/t gold from a depth of 165.0 metres. Including 15.0 metres grading 0.45% copper and 1.09 g/t gold from a depth of 185.0 metres.

Hole C2-25-117 intersected 48.0 metres grading 0.41% copper and 1.10 g/t gold from a depth of 165.0 metres.

Holes C2-25-118 and C2-25-121 targeted the previously identified as a higher-grade area, with a lower copper oxide ratio. Both holes were successful in adding volume to the mineralization.

Hole C2-25-118 intersected 91.2 metres grading 0.53% copper and 1.10 g/t gold from a depth of 290.0 metres. Including 33.7 metres grading 0.79% copper and 2.02 g/t gold from a depth of 347.5 metres.

Hole C2-25-121 intersected 152.5 metres grading 0.46% copper and 0.97 g/t gold from a depth of 282.5 metres. Including 85.0 metres grading 0.67% copper and 1.56 g/t gold from a depth of 285.0 metres.

The first phase of diamond drilling is ongoing.

Jim Miller-Tait, P.Geo., Imperial’s VP Exploration, has reviewed this news release as the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the Mount Polley exploration program. Samples reported were analysed at Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories in Vancouver. A full QA/QC program using blanks, standards and duplicates was completed for all diamond drilling samples submitted to the labs. Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals.

Diamond drill data, cross sections and plan view maps are available on imperialmetals.com.

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. These properties have defined areas of mineralization and clear exploration potential. Management continues to evaluate various opportunities to advance many of these properties.