GLENWOOD, N.L. — After months of speculation, the resurrection of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine has been confirmed.
Provincial government officials gathered in Glenwood on Friday, March 8, to share the news.
Located 43 kilometres west of Glenwood, the mine ceased production in 2012, leaving approximately 100 workers unemployed. Antimony is a grey metal and has been used in infrared detectors, medicine and cosmetics.
The restart will return as many jobs back to the area.
Premier Dwight ball said the province had been working with international mining company China Minmetals to bring about the restart.
Some 160,000 tonnes of antimony will be mined and processed into concentrate annually, he added.
The mine has a lifespan of three and a half years, and the restart is expected to take place in short order.
“This announcement presents an excellent opportunity to recognize the importance of what mining means to our province, but it also means economic development, it creates jobs and new economic development opportunities,” Ball said.
“We see a world of possibilities because geology positions Newfoundland and Labrador to be a global supplier of minerals.”
China Minmetals vice president Huang Chongbiao expressed his excitement in moving forward during the announcement, as well.
“The opening of the mine will create more than 100 jobs, and have a positive impact on local economics,” he said.
The hope is “to establish a good relationship with local communities and government,” Chongbaio added.
Provincial mining statistics
- 11 producing mines
- 14 metal and non-metal commodities produced
- 4,800 people employed directly in mining in 2018
- $3-billion Estimated in gross value of mineral shipments in 2018
- $90 million in mining taxes in 2017/2018
- $2.3 billion in capital investment announced since Feb. 2017.
- 10.2 per cent of Canadian mining major projects planned/under construction
- Produces 46 per cent of Canada’s iron ore shipments
- Produces 26 per cent of Canada’s nickel shipments
SOURCE: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
