While Noranda Inc.’s Gaspe Copper Mines has decided to suspend mining operations completely at its Murdochville, Que., mine site, the company and the Quebec government continue discussions regarding a joint exploration program for ore reserves in the Gaspe area which could lead to a reopening of the mine.
Noranda’s decision to close the mine, following a fire April 1, was based in part on low copper prices. Also, the company estimates it will cost $34.5 million in equipment and lost sales to refurbish the mine. The mine closing leaves about 400 workers out of a job.
The smelter at the mine site remains open, with copper concentrate arriving from Canadian sources and reportedly from Chile, to help feed the operation. The smelter has a workforce of about 300 people.
Meanwhile, the company continues to clean up after the April 1 fire which destroyed 6,000 ft of a conveyor system and left one miner dead. The company continues its investigation into the cause of the blaze. A second fire involving an ore truck (no injuries were reported) had to be extinguished two weeks after the April 1 fire.
Be the first to comment on "Reserves sought to keep mine open"