Imperial recalls over half of their laid off employees—44 of 85 called back

Some of the employees at Huckleberry Mine that were laid off due to weak copper prices have now been recalled back to work. — Photo courtesy

Vancouver – April 5, 2016 | Imperial Metals Corporation reports that Huckleberry Mines Ltd. (“HML”) has recalled 44 of the 85 employees that were laid off at the Huckleberry mine (“Mine”) in January 2016 due to weak copper prices. The recalled personnel will focus on tailings dam construction, but may conduct some mining in the open pit if the schedule allows. This will provide operational readiness in the future.

The mine will continue to process stockpiles until the end of August 2016. Copper prices will be monitored; however the mine is expected to be placed on care and maintenance if copper prices do not increase by the third quarter of 2016.

Employees at the mine have demonstrated a strong commitment to safety and to date have achieved 487 days without a Lost Time Accident. This commitment to safety was recently recognized by the Ministry of Energy and Mines Edward Prior Award for Safety in 2015.

HML owns and operates the Huckleberry Mine. Imperial owns a 50% interest in HML, and the remaining 50% interest is owned by the Japan Group, comprised of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Dowa Mining Co. Ltd. and Furukawa Co.