VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Mar 2, 2015) - Imperial Metals Corporation (III.TO) announces that the Red Chris mine trucked its first shipments of copper concentrate to the Port of Stewart, BC on February 27, 2015.

Commissioning of the flotation circuit with low grade ore commenced on February 15. During the second week of start-up the mill feed grade was increased using ores from both the East and Main zones. The plant's first full twelve hour operating shift, without stoppage, took place on February 22. The plant milled approximately 15,500 tonnes during that twelve hour period.

The mill processed just over 193,000 tonnes in February producing approximately 2,400 tonnes of copper concentrate.

The commissioning team continues to focus on achieving continuous operations and a consistent final concentrate grade. Once the team is satisfied with the progress in these areas, more emphasis will be placed on metal recoveries and throughput.

About Imperial

Imperial is an exploration, mine development and operating company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company has commenced commissioning activities at the Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia. The Company operates the Mount Polley copper/gold mine in British Columbia and the Sterling gold mine in Nevada. Imperial has a 50% interest in the Huckleberry copper mine and a 50% interest in the Ruddock Creek lead/zinc property, both in British Columbia.