Both the Kidd mine site and the metallurgical site, which processes the ore, are closing at the end of 2026. Glencore is the largest employer in Timmins and has several workers commuting from neighbouring communities.
Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau says the concerns that arise aren’t as serious as in the past. She says there are a lot of exciting job opportunities for the workers, as the area is emerging as a nickel district.
“We’re pretty confident that the people that will be affected by this announcement will be able to find themselves new opportunities in mining in Timmins, that there’s such a demand, we’re hopeful that people will just be able to move into different positions,” she states.
Boileau is feeling good that it will be a pivot, more than a negative downturn.
And she’s appreciative that Glencore has shown its commitment to helping workers find new jobs.
She also notes that the closure has been expected for a long while.
“We’ve been really fortunate that Glencore has been able to extend their operations; they’ve given us extra mine life,” the mayor says, “and so that really has allowed us to plan and position ourselves, knowing that this closure was coming.”
