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 Thursday.
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 B.C. by 2015, will extend the life of the mine until 2039.
Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for B.C. 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.