Vancouver-based Imperial Metals Corp. (TSX:III) has resumed operations at the Huckleberry copper and molybdenum mine five days after wildfires threatened its operations located 123 kilometres southwest of Houston, B.C.
The mine, which is 50% owned by Huckleberry Mines Ltd., is an open-pit mine employing 224 people, according to the company’s latest annual report.
Last Wednesday afternoon, the mine shut down after wildfires crossed an access road to the mine. As a protective measure, the company shut down power and sprayed fire retardant along the power line, while power at the mine was maintained with generators.
On Saturday, main power was restored to the mine’s mill and camp facilities and operations resumed Monday morning.
Currently, road access to the mine remains limited with one convoy of vehicles permitted in and out of the mine per day.
Huckleberry is one of Imperial Metals’ main producing mines, producing 45.9 million pounds of copper, 14,467 pounds of molybdenum, 266,940 ounces of silver and 3,482 ounces of gold. Sales from Huckleberry’s production contributed to total revenue of $201.1 million in 2009.
Imperial Metals’ share price range during the past week: between $15.40 and $15.85; 52-week high: $21; 52-week low: $4.05.