Yukon silver mine lays off 15 employees to cut costs

Alexco Resources is laying off about 15 miners, and another 15 vacant jobs will not be filled at the company's Yukon mine.

The company owns and operates the Bellekeno silver mine in central Yukon.

Falling silver and zinc prices have forced the mining company to cut costs.

"About a 25-per-cent workforce reduction from site, from Whitehorse and from Vancouver. We are suspending a planned capital project, such as advancing on Onek and Lucky Queen," said Rob McIntyre, the company's vice-president for regulatory affairs.

McIntyre said executive members have also agreed to a 20-per-cent cut in pay.

Alexco is also in talks with suppliers and contractors about reductions there.