Northgate inks Kemess deal

Kemess Mines, a subsidiary of Northgate Minerals (NGX-T), has reached a tentative deal on a 3-year collective agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, local 115. The union represents 260 production and maintenance staff at the Kemess copper-gold mine in north-central British Columbia.

The union has reportedly agreed to recommend the offer to its members. Details of the offer were unavailable.

“We are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement following lengthy negotiations,” says Northgate President Kenneth Stowe.

The company is also developing its Kemess North deposit, north of its flagship Kemess gold mine. The initial capital cost will be US$190 million, and the mine life is pegged at 12 years. Kemess North contains a proven and probable reserve equivalent to 4.1 million oz.