NEW BRUNSWICK Montreal-based BLUE NOTE MINING is shaving approximately 70 of 370 jobs from its Caribou zinc-lead mine near Bathurst. The decision follows two quarters of escalating costs at a time when zinc prices are falling.
The company is taking other measures to cut costs. It is trimming capital projects to $17.8 million from $28.3 million. Production optimization, process streamlining, improved controls and energy conservation are also on the agenda.
Blue Note says the mill is operating at 95% of capacity, averaging 2,885 t/d. Metallurgical performance is increasing with zinc recovery reaching 83.5% and a concentrate grade of 51.3% in July. Lead recovery hit a record 75.0% and a concentrate grade of 43.3%.
Perhaps it needs updating, but he company's website (www.BlueNoteMining.ca) lists half a dozen job vacancies.
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