WILLIAMS LAKE - Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, joined over 600 guests at Gibraltar Mine to celebrate the successful completion of its new mill and the hiring of 150 additional workers.
The addition of the new employees makes Gibraltar one of the largest employers in the Cariboo. The mine, operated by Taseko Mines Limited, just completed the recent $325-million development that included the new facility and addition to their mining fleet. The new mill is a 30,000-ton-per-day,standalone facility that enhances operating flexibility and reliability.
The new development, which is part of the BC Job Plan goal to open eight new mines and expand nine others in British Columbia by 2015, will extend the life of the mine until 2039.
Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for British Columbia. The production value of B.C.'s mining industry was approximately $8.3 billion in 2012. Since the BC Jobs Plan was released, two new mines are in operation, and six more are under construction or permitted. The Province also has approved six major expansions of existing mines.
"The addition of 150 new workers at the Gibraltar Mine is an excellent example of how the mining industry is building and sustaining communities across B.C. Mining supports thousands of well-paying, secure jobs for families in communities throughout our province and continues to be a vital part of our economy," said Bill Bennett Minister of Energy and Mines.