The big Gaspe copper mine of Noranda Inc. at Murdochville, Que., which was closed following a disastrous fire April 1, 1987, in which 56 underground miners miraculously escaped, is to be reopened.
The company says it will reconstruct the extensive underground conveyor system that was almost completely destroyed. Actually it has been clearing and preparing the underground passageways since the fire, with installation of the new equipment that will be required expected to start in July. This job will employ approximately 50 people.
The project, which will require a capital investment of about $20 million, is expected to be completed in May of 1989. The company has already spent $53 million to develop a new zone known as the E32 orebody which was operated for only three months prior to the fire.
The sprawling Gaspe operation is central to the economy of Murdochville, a town of 2,000. While the smelter has continued to operate on purchased concentrate from outside operations, closure of the mine was a severe setback.
There are 350 employees currently on the Gaspe payroll. It is expected that an additional 200 workers will be rehired when the mine opens.
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