FAQ

Hudbay has been part of the Flin Flon community for over 90 years and continues to value its role in the city. Although mining operations have ended, Hudbay remains committed to supporting Flin Flon through an annual grant-in-lieu arrangement until 2028. These payments are a significant contribution to the city’s budget and support the Flin Flon School Division (FFSD). Many Hudbay employees who work in Snow Lake continue to live in Flin Flon, and the company is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant community. This support underscores Hudbay’s enduring 95-year relationship with Flin Flon.

Hudbay is actively exploring opportunities in the Flin Flon region through various initiatives. We have entered an option agreement with Marubeni Corporation to advance exploration aimed at developing a new mine and utilizing existing processing infrastructure.

Additionally, we have partnered with Arctic Gateway Group to re-establish a northern trade route for critical minerals, supporting economic development and Indigenous reconciliation.

Hudbay is also focused on reprocessing tailings at the Flin Flon Tailings Impoundment System (FFTIS), where over 100 million tonnes of tailings have been deposited. Ongoing research aims to produce non-acid-generating residuals, reduce waste, and extend the life of the Flin Flon metallurgical complex.

Hudbay Manitoba is committed to fostering workforce diversity and providing strong employee support. Our Snow Lake operations employ over 900 individuals, with approximately 14% identifying as Indigenous and 18% as women. We recognize that diverse backgrounds and perspectives enhance collaboration and strengthen our team.

To further support our employees, we introduced the “ONE Team” leadership training program, which focuses on coaching and conflict resolution and has evolved into a comprehensive six-day development course.

Additionally, acknowledging that many Snow Lake employees live in Flin Flon, we have established a Camp Committee to address challenges related to our seven-day shift schedule. This committee has significantly improved the camp environment, including better food options, upgraded recreational facilities, and enhanced security through additional lighting and cameras. We are also considering further enhancements, such as expanded daycare options and additional pathways between buildings.

Hudbay is committed to actively engaging local and Indigenous communities about our mining operations. We hold regular meetings with mayors and councils in Flin Flon and Snow Lake to address community needs and provide updates on our business activities. Our lease agreement with Flin Flon facilitates community use of our facilities, and we have established multi-year grant-in-lieu agreements with local governments.

Our collaboration with Indigenous communities in Manitoba aligns with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’s Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) criteria. Hudbay’s Manitoba operations achieved Silver-level certification in the latest PAIR assessment, highlighting our commitment to measurable outcomes, cultural awareness, economic development, and community involvement. We track Indigenous employment and procurement, host cultural workshops, support Indigenous businesses, and work with Indigenous communities on various community and cultural initiatives.

Hudbay’s Snow Lake operations have a projected 15-year mine life. Our focus on exploration, operational efficiency, and innovation aims to extend this timeline and maximize value. Strategic acquisitions and land expansions support our long-term growth strategy in the Snow Lake Greenstone Belt.

Hudbay remains committed to environmental protection through continuous improvements in effluent quality, water conservation, biodiversity preservation, and dust mitigation, alongside transparent public engagement. Key initiatives include:

• Monitoring and planning at the Flin Flon Tailings Impoundment System.
• 6% reduction in freshwater use at Lalor through groundwater capture.
• Collaboration on caribou migration and a pollinator garden at New Britannia.
• Dust mitigation at the FFTIS and improved public outreach.
• Established an environmental strategy with goals like reduced fuel use and enhanced stakeholder engagement.

Further advancements included a new waste disposal ground in Snow Lake, GHG reduction initiatives with electric vehicles and energy projects, and achieving a level AA rating under the TSM Climate Change Protocol.

Hudbay’s history of successfully developing and operating mines includes making a positive impact on society through strong community relations and investments to advance sustainable communities. Through jobs, business opportunities, taxes and royalties, community development programs and investments in infrastructure investments, we aim to support and help advance socio-economic development in the regions and communities where we operate. We recognize Indigenous rights and intend to resolve any issues while maintaining good relations with all of our neighbours.

In June 2022, Hudbay successfully concluded its mining operations at the 777 mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba, after 18 years of consistent production, due to the depletion of the mine’s reserves. As part of this strategic shift, Hudbay relocated its skilled workforce and equipment to Snow Lake, Manitoba, where the company is now focused on expanding reserves, increasing processing capacity, and intensifying exploration activities. This transition marked the beginning of a new growth phase for the company in the region.

While the closure of the 777 mine has reduced Hudbay’s presence in Flin Flon, the company remains committed to the community and is exploring new opportunities to contribute to the region’s future. 

Hudbay is committed to northern Manitoba and is enthusiastic about continuing to grow, improve, and contribute value to the region for years to come.

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