A breakdown in talks with local union representatives is being cited for Taseko Mines’ decision to suspend operating at its Gibraltar copper-molybdenum in the Cariboo region of south-central British Columbia, Canada.
“Collective bargaining with Gibraltar’s union representatives has been ongoing in recent weeks, and ended late yesterday without an agreement being reached,” the company said. “Gibraltar’s unionized workforce informed the company that they intended to take strike action as of midnight, May 31.”
With the decision made by the miner to shut down mining, Taskeo said Gibraltar is now on care and maintenance with only essential staff and critical systems maintenance.
“The company remains committed to the bargaining process and reaching a fair and equitable agreement,” it said.
Gibraltar is the second largest open-pit copper mine in Canada. It has a life of mine annual production of 130 million pounds.
Source: www.tasekomines.com