Low copper prices have forced the Vancouver-based firm to lay-off more than one-third of the workforce at its Huckleberry mine in northwestern British Columbia.
The precious metal is building on gains from earlier in the week, triggered mainly by escalating geo-political tensions in the Middle East and North Korea’s nuclear test.
Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett rang in 2016 with thoughts of a potential rescue package for B.C.’s beleaguered mining industry on his mind to ward off potential shutdowns.