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, B.C.
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.
Northern Miner – Lesley Stokes – November 6, 2016.