The Ruttan copper-zinc mine in northern Manitoba will be closing sooner than expected, owing to low metal prices.
Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting had announced in the mid-1990s that the mine would shut down in 2003; it is now due to close in May 2002.
Over the past year, zinc prices have fallen to US34 from US48 per lb., while copper slipped to US62 from US83 per lb.
The provincial government has announced several initiatives designed to help the community of Leaf Rapids adust to the closure. These include: the creation of a task force to consider the future of mining in Manitoba; the creation of a committee to develop a long-term plan for the town; and hiring a community development officer.
“We cannot and will not simply give up on Leaf Rapids,” says Gerrard Jennissen, member of the legislative assembly for Flin Flon, Man. “Mines eventually come to the end of their financially viable lives, but this community has become an important centre in northern Manitoba.”
Leaf Rapids was created in 1971 to support the discovery of the Ruttan orebody. HBM&S took over operation of the mine in 1987-88, following an agreement with the province.
Be the first to comment on "Ruttan to close sooner"