Union still hopeful for future of Wabush Mines

The steelworkers' union at Wabush Mines is still holding out hope for a new owner to reactivate the troubled site.

Cliffs Natural Resources recently announced it was permanently closing the mine. That includes dismantling equipment, turning off all the power and allowing the mining pits to flood.

MFC Industrial was in talks with Cliffs about the possibility of buying the mine, however those talks broke off in October.

Jason Penney, president of the local steelworkers union, is still hopeful that MFC may step in and take over the operation.

However, he said that would be more difficult if Cliffs proceeds with decommissioning.

"It's going to be a great challenge, the reopening of the mine," he said.

"If the pits are allowed to flood there's no question about it, it's going to be a great challenge."

While Penney is concerned with how hard it will be to get the mine back up and running once Cliffs shuts things down, he still doesn't think the departure of the company necessarily means the end of Wabush Mines.

"I don't know that it's going to be a do or die situation," he said.

"There's no question that it's going to be a significant amount of work in order to get those back on."

Penney said the province is waiting for a firm commitment from MFC industrial.

About 500 people were working at Wabush Mines before the shutdown in February.

By the end of 2014, there will be less than 10 people employed at the site.