There is cautious optimism in Cape Breton that the Donkin Mine will once again produce coal after the mine’s owners posted job listings online.
“Everybody is a little bit hesitant looking at it, but there are a lot of good signs now,” said Donkin resident Dwayne Lynk. “They cleared out the pole line, which was a good sign, and (Nova Scotia Power) is replacing poles and there are ads (online) now looking for guys.”
Those employees will be highly paid, with jobs ranging from $30 to $35 dollars per hour. The jobs posted include underground machine operators, a foreman and mechanical mine technicians.
Nova Scotia’s transportation minister says it’s a sign that the company is serious about Donkin.
“This is the real deal, Cline Group,” said Geoff MacLellan. “They understand what the product is, they’re moving forward. They’ve made significant investment in equipment and infrastructure so far, with plans to do much more. This is going to happen, we’re confident in that.”
Only a year ago, Glencore Xstrata announced its plan to sell its stake in the mine and let it flood with water.
“We figured it was over, with the coal prices being so low and so hard to ship the coal. And Nova Scotia Power were not on board at that time,” said Donkin resident Paul McDonald. “So they had no other choice but to walk away from it. They didn’t give up, they found a buyer and hopefully this is going to work.”
The Cline Group purchased the mine from Xstrata and is now looking to negotiate a deal with Nova Scotia Power, which will soon begin to test-burn Donkin coal on a trial basis.
“The dialogue is open between (Nova Scotia Power) and the Cline Group,” MacLellan said. “Conversations have been very professional and good at this point – nothing finalized yet, but they will continue to talk as we get closer to ultimate production.”
The Cline Group is expected to hire between 90 and 120 people to begin operations. The company will update the community on the mine’s progress at a meeting on June 16.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore
