Wabush Mines restart: Steelworkers union announces new collective agreement

The United Steelworkers says it has reached a new five-year collective agreement with U.S.-based Tacora Resources, the company looking to restart the former Wabush Mines site.

"It has been three long years since the Scully Mine was closed and many people were concerned that it would be permanently abandoned," said Marty Warren, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, in a news release issued Wednesday.

"We have been working tirelessly since 2014 to find a buyer for the Scully Mine assets and to bring back jobs to Wabush and Labrador West. We are cautiously optimistic about the potential community benefits of Tacora's plan to reopen the mine."

The mine is locked in creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, and court approval is still required for the company's proposal to reopen the shuttered site.

Company advertising jobs

According to its website, Tacora Resources is "looking to hire talent to go back to work on the ScullyMine."

The company says it needs to fill a variety of positions that include equipment operators, electricians, millwrights, andother staff.

Cliffs Natural Resources closed Wabush Mines in 2014, causing hundreds of people to lose their jobs.

There was a development in March when it was reported several companies were interested in purchasing the now-defunct operation andput down a $750,000 down payment to show their intent.

CBC News confirmed at the time that one of the interested parties wasAlderonIron Ore Corp, which wanted to use the site to dispose of waste from its proposed Kami project.

• $750K down payment to buy Wabush Mines due Monday
• A plea for the future of Wabush Mines

In late May, the company overseeing thoseproceedings said talks were underway for the sale, but did not name the interested buyers.

When reached by phone Tuesday evening, arepresentative ofTacora told CBC News he couldn't commentat this time.

In astatement to CBC News on Wednesday, the Department of Natural Resources says Wabush Mines is an "important project for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The MHA for Labrador West and the Department of Natural Resources have worked closely with interested parties."

"The mine is still under [the] Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act and there is a process to be followed ... We are pleased with the continued interest in mining in Labrador West."