VANCOUVER (miningweekly.com) – Base metals producer Taseko Mines has restarted operations at its Gibraltar mine, in British Columbia, following a four-day hiatus as hundreds of wildfires ravaged the province’s interior.
The TSX-listed company said on Wednesday that restarting the mine would help limit interruption and keep the payrolls going which, in turn, provides the community with stability and continuity as some employees rebuild their homes and lives.
“Countless people and families in the region have suffered devastating fire loss, and that includes some who work for the company. Sadly, some folks may need months to recover, others may require years. The best thing Taseko-Gibraltar can do, and this would apply to other employers in the region as well, is help people return to work as quickly as they are able,” stated president and CEO Russell Hallbauer.
Taseko reported that no fires are currently threatening the mine facility. However, an evacuation order remains in effect for the City of Williams Lake, 65 km south of the mine, and the risk of potential wildfire in the region persists.
Imperial Metals also suspended operations at its Mount Polley operation on Saturday, saying the mine would resume operations once the situation stabilises.