COPPER: High water halts mining at Highland Valley

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Teck Resources of Vancouver says that unusual spring weather conditions and rapid snow melt have resulted in flooding to parts of the Lornex and Valley open pits at the Highland Valley Copper operations. Mining has been temporarily halted in the affected areas. [caption id="attachment_1003718323" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mining has been temporarily halted where the pits are flooded at Highland Valley Copper.[/caption] The mill continues to operate normally, said the company, and mining is taking place in unaffected areas. The tailings areas have not been affected. Meanwhile, HVC is assessing the potential impact on production and seeking options to increase the dewatering volume. More about Highland Valley Copper is available at www.Teck.com/operations/canada/operations/highland-valley-copper. Teck also issued an update on the Mamit Lake Dam where the spillway has been damaged due to exceptionally high water levels. The dam is downstream from HVC, and it is used to regulate agricultural water flows and sustain fish habitat. The dam is owned and operated by the Lower Nicola Indian Band who may be flooded should the dam fail.  Teck monitors and maintains the dam under an agreement with the band. An assessment of the damage will have to wait until the water levels drop. The facility can be viewed at http://HRCconstruction.com/dams/34-mamit-lake-dam.