Campbell River coal mine to suspend operations, cut up to 66 jobs

A Campbell River coal mine says it is suspending operations indefinitely, citing a prolonged and steep decline in coal prices and changes in market demand.

Up to 66 workers at Quinsam Coal face job cuts, the company said in a statement Friday.

It said the mine will be placed into “care and maintenance,” but existing supply contracts will still be honoured.

“This is a sad day for us. As an important contributor to the mid-Vancouver Island economy, coal from Quinsam has been an important source of locally-sourced fuel and raw material feedstock,” Quinsam Coal said in a statement.