Curragh extends shutdowns at Yukon lead-zinc operations

Temporary shutdowns at its Faro and Sa Dena Hes lead-zinc operations in the Yukon will be extended by 30 days, reports owner Curragh (TSE).

Curragh says depressed lead and zinc prices, higher treatment charges and a growing concentrate inventory prompted the extension.

Zinc recently traded at 48 cents, down from 60 cents in September. During the same period, lead dropped to 21 cents from 30 cents.

Both mines are now closed for Christmas. In January, the Faro mine will operate at reduced capacity using stockpiled ore and remaining tonnages from the Faro pit.

Curragh normally produces 650,000 tonnes of concentrates per year from the Faro and Sa Dena Hes mines. The company says all existing commitments to its customers will be maintained during the shutdowns.