FAQ
WHY IS HUDBAY MOVING AWAY FROM FLIN FLON NOW?
Despite extensive exploration efforts, the mineral reserves that have been available to mine in Flin Flon for more than 90 years have run out. Hudbay will be shutting down its production in Flin Flon in June 2022, with the bulk of our operations continuing in Snow Lake.
THE CITY OF FLIN FLON GREW WITH HUDBAY, AND IT IS A MAJOR EMPLOYER. WILL THE COMPANY CONTINUTE TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY?
Throughout our over 90-year history, we have been proud part of the Flin Flon community and it has been an important part of our company. Even though operations in Flin Flon will be closing, Hudbay cares deeply about the city and plans to continue to provide financial support that is reflective of our presence in Flin Flon.
IS HUDBAY LEAVING FLIN FLON FOREVER?
While Hudbay’s activity in Flin Flon will be greatly reduced, Hudbay considers there to be potential in the Flin Flon – Snow Lake Greenstone Belt and will continue to evaluate future exploration programs while continuing with operations in Snow Lake.
IF YOU'RE A HUDBAY EMPLOYEE IN FLIN FLON, WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Hudbay is committed to doing everything possible to minimize the impacts of the transition to Snow Lake on our workforce. We’ve developed processes and made options available to employees to help inform their employment choices with as much time as possible leading into the transition of operations. For other information Hudbay employees should speak to their manager.
WHAT IS TAILINGS REPROCESSING AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE COMMUNITY OF FLIN FLON?
Tailings from processing activities in Flin Flon have been deposited for over 90 years. Hudbay has identified the opportunity to reprocess these tailings, creating potential operating and economic benefits to the Flin Flon community, and reducing environmental impacts.
We are in the early stages of technical evaluation and confirmatory drilling.
AFTER ALMOST A CENTURY OF MINING, WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE?
Our tailings facility and other water management structures will continue to operate, and our concentrator and associated infrastructure will be placed on care and maintenance. The Flin Flon closure plan consists of multiple phases, looking to 2100 and beyond, and considers the latest closure technologies and concepts. Hudbay has considered stringent and detailed environmental plans of water stewardship, tailings system, infrastructure and processing plants. Our closure plan has been shared with the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.