A B.C. mining company has announced significant layoffs, saying they are the result of global economic uncertainty and tariffs.
Glencore-owned Elk Valley Resources (EVR), which operates four steelmaking coal mines in B.C.’s southeast along the Alberta border, said it is cutting 140 staff jobs.
In an emailed statement from company communications manager Chris Stannell, Elk Valley blamed “challenging market conditions” for the job cuts.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on steel imports to the U.S. to 50 per cent, while industry leaders continue to raise concerns about alleged “steel dumping” — the selling of steel into the Canadian market at ultra-low prices.
“EVR is working to improve efficiency and reduce costs across our business to ensure our company is globally competitive,” Stannell said.
He said “most” of the employees in the cut jobs were reallocated into other vacant positions within the company, but not all. Workers who were not placed into another position are receiving support, he said.
The company’s website said it employs more than 5,000 people.
Sparwood mayor David Wilks shares his perspective on why Elk Valley Resources is cutting 140 staff positions at local mines. He explains the impact on the community, and what factors created these job cuts.
David Wilks, the mayor of Sparwood, B.C., which is located in the Elk River Valley, said people regularly fly in and out of the area to work at the mine, many of whom are from Alberta. But many also reside in nearby communities like his.
“Certainly is unfortunate that it’s challenging times for the coal industry area right now,” he told CBC’s Radio West host Sarah Penton.
Recently, Glencore purchased coal mining operations from Teck Resources Ltd. Wilks said he hopes this will be the end of layoffs for now.
“They’ve started to look at how they are going to run their company,” Wilks said. “And unfortunately, they’ve come up against a lot of things that have been challenging and … unfortunately, some people have had to be let go.”
