Imperial Metals (TSX:III) has announced Huckleberry Mines has recalled 44 of the 85 employees that had been laid off from its open-pit copper mine near Houston, British Columbia, in January.
The company, which has a 50% stake in Huckleberry Mines, had said at that time the 260-person workforce was being reduced due to low copper prices. In February, it put all other employees on notice, telling them it would shut the mine in August.
"Copper prices will be monitored; however, the mine is expected to be placed on care and maintenance if copper prices do not increase by the third quarter of 2016," the company said in a press release.
The company said keeping these workers on will ensure the mine is ready for future operation. The mine will continue to process stockpiles until August.
Imperial said the 44 recalled workers will focus on tailings dam construction, "but may conduct some mining in the open pit if the schedule allows."