Company briefs Stanley, N.B., on tungsten, copper mine plan

A proposed copper and tungsten mine could create hundreds of jobs in a small community in central New Brunswick, says the company behind the project.

Geodex Minerals Ltd. wants to establish an open pit at Sisson Brook, about 30 kilometres west of Stanley, N.B.

The company is still determining if the project is feasible, said regional manager Dave Martin — but if it does go ahead, about 750 people would be employed in initial mine construction in 2010. Once open, the mine would employ about 300 people on an ongoing basis, he said.

The company has been test drilling in the Napadogan-area for two years and believes there is enough metal in the area to operate a mine for 30 years.

The mine could begin production in early 2011 and is expected to extract 20,000 tonnes of ore per day, Martin said.

Public meetings have been hosted in Stanley this week to provide the community with information about the project.

The community was most concerned about issues of the employment and the environment, including "the handling of waste and water and issues such as that," Martin said.

"We will have to abide by very strict regulations set out by the province … and we will have to work within those rules," he said.

Stanley resident Colleen Stevens said she'd like to explore career opportunities at the mine.

"I know there is employment there for me," Stevens said. "I am a labourer by trade … I may not have a university degree but give me a chance and I will work hard for you."

The small rural community's economy has been struggling since August, when the veneer mill in Napadogan shut down.