Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Ongoing low copper price forces Huckleberry to suspend milling

Imperial Metals Corp. Feb. 5 said the Huckleberry Mine in western British Columbia will be placed on care and maintenance until there is an improvement in the price of copper. Huckleberry Mines Ltd., the company that owns and operates the copper mine, has notified employees that operations will be suspended once the stockpiles have been milled, which is expected to happen around the end of August. Imperial said the ongoing low copper price has forced Huckleberry to make this difficult decision despite significant strides that have been made in reducing operating costs at the mine. HML will continue to investigate ways to maintain operations, including consideration of a plan announced by B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett that will allow mining companies to temporarily defer a portion of their hydro bills. Imperial Metals owns a 50 percent interest in Huckleberry Mines, the remaining 50 percent is owned by the Japan Group, comprised of Mitsubishi Materials Corp., Dowa Mining Co. Ltd. and Furukawa Co.

- Shane Lasley