During a lull in the proceedings at the recent grand opening of the Lalor mine, Hudbay CEO David Garofalo took a few moments to answer questions. He was accommodating with his time and expressive in his answers.
I asked him two questions, the first being if the company has any idea where it is going with respect to building a new mill at the Lalor mine site or overhauling the old Stall Lake Concentrator.
“We are actually doing a trade-off study on refurbishing the Snow Lake Concentrator versus building a new concentrator here at the mine mouth, and it’s really going to be driven by economics,” said Garofalo. “Whatever makes the most sense, whatever is in the long-term interests of the mine… what preserves mine life; what extends mine life. Because the lower your costs are, then the better prospect you have of extending
mine life.”
Representation
Secondly, I pointed out the strong First Nations representation at the grand opening (a respected northern Elder and two Chiefs). I wondered, is the company’s relationship with area First Nations progressing?
“Well, 13 per cent of our workforce self-identifies as aboriginal,” Garofalo answered. “Inevitably, given the demographics in northern Manitoba, I would say in due course the majority of our workforce will have to come from First Nations. So it is absolutely in our economic interests, and theirs, to have a very strong relationship.”
Garofalo also commented on the drilling Hudbay plans from its exploration drift at the Lalor mine.
“The other big initiative that we’re undertaking this year is drilling at depth,” he said. “We plan to drive a ramp from the 955-metre level down and that’ll open up a horizon for exploration drilling down in the copper/gold zones… looking for extensions. So, 20 years is an initial estimation of mine life here. We think it’s going to be much bigger ultimately.”
Morning treat
Several days after the Lalor and Reed mine grand openings, a number of Hudbay officials were back in Snow Lake. Still in a celebratory mood, they took everyone in the community out for breakfast… literally!
Yes, pancakes flipped, sausages and bacon sizzled, and the coffee and juice flowed freely as members of company staff out of Snow Lake and Flin Flon served up a complimentary pancake feast for all residents of
Snow Lake.
One of the organizers, Flin Flon human resources specialist Sandy Doverspike, said the idea behind the event was to celebrate family. From all indications it succeeded as halfway through the breakfast, held in the Lawrie Marsh Community Hall, the venue was packed with young and old alike.
Lalor mine foreman Bob Libbey said some employees showed up to eat before heading to work dayshift.
Richard Trudeau, Hudbay’s manager, Flin Flon and Snow Lake Mines, said it was good to see many of the company’s retirees out for the function.
Rob Winton, vice-president of Hudbay’s Manitoba Business Unit, was also on hand, as was his daughter Mya. He commented that she was up and raring to go for the drive (from Flin Flon) to Snow Lake early that
morning.
Winton complimented the work done organizing the event, crediting, among others, Larissa McLaren, Elysia Henderson and Sandy Doverspike.
It appeared the Snow Lake Seniors were in charge of preparing the food and, as a result, Willa Fleming, Eugena Kowalchuk and Iona Johnston were noted to be hard work.
My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
