The operation is expected to be the third-largest copper mine in the U.S., employing about 500 people and accounting for approximately 10% of the country’s total copper production.
The company has secured a second five-year exploration licence in the Erzgebirge (meaning Ore Mountain) region of Saxony, which completely encloses its Zinnwald project.
The Montana, U.S.-based Sunlight mine has been approaching the end of its operational life in recent years and its remaining gold reserves are nearly depleted.
The preventive measure was taken after a stress test failed to guarantee stability of the mine’s structures. Vale noted it would restart production when new studies are completed and their results are conclusive.
West Cumbria Mining plans to open the country’s first new deep coal mine is a step closer after councillors in the English county of Cumbria unanimously approved the project.
Kameron Coal’s Donkin mine has received four orders and six warnings from provincial authorities since limited production restarted on Jan. 25, following a roof cave-in last year.
