WABUSH, N.L. – Union officials say they’ve been told by Cliffs Natural Resources that the Wabush Scully Mine in Labrador is closing permanently.
Jason Penney, the president of Local 6285 of the United Steelworkers, says the U.S.-based firm informed international representatives of the union and he was informed by local management.
The mine in western Labrador was idled in the winter by Cliffs due to poor market conditions for iron ore.
Penney estimates 350 workers were laid off but he says many have found work since then either in the West or at the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.
He says he’s also been told that MFC Industrial, the company that holds the royalties at the mine, is still interested in opening the mine.
Neither Cliffs nor MFC Industrial responded to emails and calls requesting comment.
