Noranda says a fire in late January at the Brunswick lead-silver smelter in Belledune, N.B., will not affect production.
The fire occurred in an isolated area of the complex that houses the silver refinery. Its cause is not yet known, and no injuries were reported.
The Brunswick complex currently produces 100,000 tonnes lead and 12 million oz. silver per year, on average.
In December 2002, Noranda announced it would scale back operations at the plant and reduce production, owing to low treatment charges and a weak outlook for lead. Plans call for the smelter to be operated on an 8-month seasonal basis starting in July.
Annual lead production will be reduced to 78,000 tonnes, while silver output will be cut to 5 million oz.
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