Xstrata announced that a shortage of third party copper concentrate is forcing the Kidd Metallurgical Site to temporarily suspend its copper operations.

It said “Effective the week of September 7th, the Kidd Metallurgical Site will start a temporary shutdown of the Copper smelter and refinery for a period of seven to ten weeks. “

Mr Thompson Hickey GM at the Kidd Metallurgical Site said that “In addition to reduced shipments from some of Kidd’s regular suppliers, concentrate availability is being compounded by the current Vale Inco strike in Sudbury.”

Mr Hickey said that “We will make all possible efforts to support our employees through this period and we hope to be in a position to return to normal operations at the site as soon as possible. The Kidd Metallurgical Site will continue to operate its facilities safely and responsibly, in strict compliance with its Sustainable Development Policy.”

The release added that “Xstrata Copper Canada’s Management Team has taken great care to look at all the potential solutions to this issue, trying to minimize the impacts on employees and the local community. Some employees will be laid off temporarily, although the numbers and duration have not been finalized.”