Canada’s second-largest Gibraltar copper-molybdenum mine is on the verge of production suspension. As collective agreement negotiations between labor and management are at a deadlock, the possibility of a strike increases.
The union representing miners at the Gibraltar copper mine stated on the 28th that they’re prepared to go on strike if the new contract is not reached by the end of this week.
The statement states that 98% of members are willing to strike if a collective agreement is not reached within the deadline. Also, it emphasizes that the workers deserve fair wages, strong safety protocols, and equitable treatment.
According to the union statement, Taseko, the owner of the Gibraltar mine, failed to make a meaningful proposal at the negotiation table before the collective agreement expires on the 31st.
Union Chairman Gavin McGarrigle criticized Taseko, saying, “If Taseko wants to avoid a strike, they need to address the fundamental issues seriously.”
The Gibraltar mine is located near McLeese Lake in British Columbia, Canada, and boasts the second-largest scale in Canada and the fourth in North America.
Placer Development Ltd. of Vancouver first opened the Gibraltar mine in 1972. It was sold to Westmin Resources in 1996, which led to its closure in 1998. Taseko Mines then purchased Gibraltar in July 1999 and re-opened it in October 2004.
Taseko invested $76 million in the first phase of expansion, $40 million in the second, and $325 million in the third.
According to Taseko, the Gibraltar mine is estimated to have reserves of 2.4 billion pounds of copper and 69 million pounds of molybdenum.
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