Canadian Press reported that ArcelorMittal Mines Canada plans a four week production stoppage this summer at its Mont Wright open pit iron mine in northeastern Quebec and the related Port Cartier pellet plant.

ArcelorMittal Mines Canada, which generates about 40% of Canada's iron ore production, said that the temporary shutdown will reduce inventories that have built up during the current economic downturn. It expects to suspend pellet production on July 16th 2009 and ore mining and concentration operations on July 26th 2009.

It said that ship loading at Port Cartier will continue, although rail transportation of iron ore concentrate from the mine to the port will cease and track maintenance will be done. It employs about 2,200 people, roughly half at Mont Wright and the other half at Port Cartier.

(Sourced from The Canadian Press)