The Myra Falls mine west of Campbell River is flooding underground because of recent rains, and inspectors are on site today.
A company spokesperson says the area around the mine, located in Strathcona Provincial Park, has been inundated with rain over the Christmas week. Excess water has been diverted into underground chambers. Additional pumps have been installed and the company says there have been no environmental impacts from the flooding.
The provincial mining ministry is investigating, and had staff on site yesterday and today.
On December 18, mine owner Trafigura announced it was laying off the work force of 300 and seeking creditor protection. It says poor metal prices and increasing costs have made the zinc mine financially unviable.
The city’s support services networks are now helping laid-off workers and their families as they struggle with the mine’s indefinite closure.
The mine has been in operation since 1965 and focuses primarily on zinc, but also produces small amounts of gold and other precious metals.
