News
Butte mine has 333 people back at work
After a couple months of preparation, Montana Resources is returning to normal operations with three shipments of molybdenum readied for customers and copper to follow soon. The mine has 333 people working.
By Leslie McCartney
Montana Standard
"We’ve been running the mill for about two to three weeks now," said Frank Gardner, president of Montana Resources.
The copper mine sprang back to life this fall after being idled for three years due to high electricity prices.
Thanks to a favorable economic climate, the mine is running around-the-clock to produce copper and molybdenum, a chemical element used in alloys.
Prices for copper are approaching $1 per pound and moly is averaging about $6.55 per pound.
"We’re producing copper and moly … we can start paying back some of our bills now," Gardner said. "The dress rehearsal is over … we’re going 24 hours a day and got all the crews out."
The task to bring the mine back to operation was not easy since an abrupt shutdown in July 2000 created difficult conditions. Gardner said that since the closure, cold weather took its toll on equipment, especially the concentrator. Miles of pipe, corrosion and electrical problems filled many working days.
Gardner came out of retirement last summer to study the reopening of the mine. He agreed to oversee the operations at the request of Washington Corp. – the mine’s owner is Missoula industrialist Dennis Washington.
The mine is beginning to hum like the old days, with a mixture of old and new employees.
"One of our major concerns is that with so many new employees, we’re really not pushing that hard for tonnage; we want to make sure everyone is trained," Gardner said.
The mine hired ex-foremen as consultants and electrical consultants to help jump-start operations and train employees.
The mine has also started buying supplies and equipment, which has helped other businesses in Butte. Pipe, tires, equipment and parts have been purchased locally.
One other sign of normalcy is Montana Resources’ annual Christmas party, which was held last week.
"It was a great turnout," Gardner said. "It was so good to see new and old employees."
Copyright © The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises.
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