Still hope for Wabush Mines, union and town leaders suggest
The permanent closure of Wabush Mines by Cliffs Natural Resources may not necessarily be the end of the operation.
The company shut down activity at the mines last February, and recently announced that they were exploring options for a permanent closure.
The shutdown resulted in about 500 workers being laid off, with around 50 staying on for maintenance during the idling period.
Krista Dalton worked at the mine and has been without a job since February.
With three kids and a new home, she is still dealing with the repercussions of the layoff.
"I went to work one day, thinking in the back of my mind that I was going to have 24 years left," she said.
"Then the day after that, it was a big shock."
Despite eight months without work, Dalton is still hopeful that the mine can bounce back.
Leaders still optimistic
United Steelworkers is the union that represents workers like Dalton.
USW President Jason Penney believes the mine could possibly reopen again, this time under the ownership of MFC Industrial.
"We have been speaking to MFC, the other company involved in this negotiation," said Penney.
"As the royalty holders they feel, or they have, contractual rights to enter the property and they feel it's viable and fully intend to complete that plan."
MFC, a company that specializes in turning around troubled and undervalued businesses, intends to once again operate the mine on the site, according to Penney. However the details on how and when that would happen are still unclear.
The Town of Wabush is also following the situation and hoping for the best.
Mayor Colin Vardy is hopeful that MFC will go ahead with its plan.
"It sounds weird, but I think the future of this mine starts with a closure," said Vardy.
"MFC has full intentions of running Wabush Mines, it's just things have to happen in a certain way for them to get access to it."
In the meantime, employees who wish to return to work will have to just wait and see.
More information is expected next week when the company hosts their third-quarter conference call.