Ajax feeling the pain of low copper prices

Nov 13, 2015 | 12:22 PM

A spokesman for KGHM-Ajax says the low copper price that led to job cuts at Highland Valley Copper will have an impact on the Ajax project as well.

Teck Resources announced last week plans to trim six percent of its workforce at Highland Valley Copper in Logan Lake. That could result in as many as 80 job losses by the end of 2016.

KGHM-Ajax External Affairs Manager Yves Lacasse says in 2016 the company will focus all of its efforts and its money on obtaining permits and negotiating with local First Nations.

He adds that will mean shifting resources completely away from engineering and design work that was already in its advanced stages.

Lacasse told CFJC News, “Certainly the price of the commodity, where it’s at right now, has had an impact on the overall company. We are an international company with operations all around the world. When the price of copper goes from being above $3.00 to the low $2.00s, this has an impact on everyone.”

Ajax submitted its environmental application to the province in September. Lacasse says he expects the Environmental Assessment Office to return the application for further revision within the next few weeks. He adds once KGHM resubmits the application, the public will have 75 days to review it and make comments to the Environmental Assessment Office.