It seems that after nearly a century, the days of mining in Flin Flon are numbered.

 

There is no anchor mine to replace 777 and sustain operations in Flin Flon as they currently stand; that comes from a recent letter from Hudbay to employees.

 

The letter notes that despite the hard work of the past few years, the most likely scenarios is that mining operations in Flin Flon will cease in 2021. The note from the company goes on to say that as a result of the probable end to mining operations, the mill will also be closed.

 

The letter says that efforts to find new sources of ore from 777 did not pan out, and by 2020 the Zinc Plant will only have 50% of the current feed as only Lalor ore will be available. This will most likely result in the Zinc Plant joining the list of expected 2021 closures.

 

Hudbay added that while they are still working to figure out the effect that it will have on jobs, there is still going to be a need for more people at mines in the Snow Lake area.

 

In a recent report, MP Niki Ashton said that following this news, and the closure of the smelter and refinery in Thompson, that these are not exciting times for the north.

 

The full letter can be found by clicking here.