Traps,

What I hear is that Xstrata is keen to have the smelter because they are opening a new high-grade mine (called Nickel Rim South) in the vicinity of the former radar base on the Skead Road. I am told that the cost of mining and smelting that ore willl be so low that they can make good money at even these prices. In fact, I am told that the smelter jobs are the most secure at Xstrata because of this.

In the last round of lay-offs at Xstrata, there was only one person laid-off at the smelter across all shifts.

Here is a related story, although it is from 9 very long months ago...

http://www.thesudburystar.com/Articl...

Cheers,

Bluenoser