Swiss mining and metals business Nyrstar has temporarily suspended regular mining and milling operations at its Myra Falls Zinc and Copper Mine near Campbell River, British Columbia (BC), Canada.
The company’s latest decision, which is aimed at facilitating focus on improving productivity at the mine site, follows a comprehensive review of present economics and operations there.
According to Nyrstar, a number of shortcomings have been identified during the review across the site resulting in deterioration in the performance at the mine over the past year.
Nyrstar Mining North America acting vice-president Glenn Smith said: "Deficiencies in site infrastructure, planning, operating, maintenance practices, inadequate mine development for future mining areas were all identified as topics that needed to be addressed.
"These factors have forced us into a period during which strategic programmes and investments need to be assessed, and then implemented."
The activities include restoration and upgrading of site power infrastructure, in addition to execution of a mine development plan within the mine’s existing footprint.
A number of alternative operating scenarios to address economic and historic issues were assessed, considering all associated operational and financial risks.
By engaging a core group of employees, Nyrstar Myra Falls will focus on site optimisation to implement changes to improve mine and plant operating conditions.
Nyrstar said that restarting operations at the mine will be depend on the completion of various critical milestones during the suspension period.
Image: The Nyrstar Myra Falls mine has been temporarily suspended to facilitate focus on improving productivity at the site. Photo: courtesy of Nyrstar.
