TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Canadian coal-miner Western Canadian Coal (WCC) will temporarily suspend mining operations at its Willow Creek mine, in British Columbia, at the end of this month.

“Despite a successful start-up of mining operations at the Willow Creek mine, the current volatile and rapid global economic uncertainty is impacting the demand for metallurgical coal,” the firm said in a statement.

The firm will also put a freeze on further capital spending at the operation.

“Future decisions on restarting mining operations and expansion plans at the mine and plant will resume once clarity on next year's coal prices and commitments become more visible,” WCC said.

The firm is also suspending all other capital expenditure at its Wolverine and Brule mines, which are also in British Columbia.

For an up-to-date list of companies that have announced cutbacks as a result of the financial crisis and commodity-price declines click here.

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.