After pit operations were suspended in early January, the entire Huckleberry Mine operation will be shut down by Aug. 31, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen said Friday.
It means most of the remaining 160 employees who had been continue to mill stockpiled ore will be without jobs at the copper and molybdenum mine, located about 85 km southwest of Houston.
The mine's owner, Imperial Metals, did not responded to a request for confirmation late Friday afternoon.
Cullen said the news was unfortunate but not unexpected.
"Mining is a cyclical industry that is definitely in the trough phase right now," Cullen said. "Low commodity prices are causing slowdowns and shutdowns in all stages of the sector, from exploration to production."
About 100 workers at the mine were layed off when Vancouver-based Imperial Metals, which also owns the Mount Polley and Red Chris mines, said it's suspending pit operations due to declining copper prices.
After Aug. 31, the mine will be put in caretaker mode.
Cullen said he is kicking off town halls across the riding next week to discuss local priorities for federal infrastructure spending intended to stimulate economic growth. The events are being co-hosted by local governments and will continue to late spring.
"It takes all levels of government working together to fund costly infrastructure projects such as roads and waterworks that help to keep communities strong and healthy," Cullen said.
.png;w=120;h=118;mode=crop)