Hudbay Minerals Inc., the owner of the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine, is closing down its flagship mining operations in northern Manitoba in 2021, an action that will eliminate 900 jobs and inflict severe economic damage to the community of Flin Flon that has depended on mining for more than 90 years.
“Prospects for our members are bleak,” a joint statement issued by seven Flin Flon unions warned after Hudbay announced its plans to shut down all mining operations in the town of about 5,000 residents.
“Some will have to leave Flin Flon. Members are already looking for jobs elsewhere. If they risk staying past 2021, there will be minimal good paying jobs in Flin Flon. We believe this will devastate the community of Flin Flon and surrounding area, as for every one job we lose, four people are affected,” reads the union statement published in The Reminder, Flin Flon’s weekly newspaper.
Hudbay Manitoba business unit vice president Rob Assabgui released a statement to workers in late November stating that efforts by the company to extend the lifespan of the 777 mine had failed, not only stating the mine would shut down by 2021, but that the Flin Flon mill would be placed under care and maintenance and the zinc plant would “most likely” be shut down, The Reminder reported. Continue reading
