Unimin to modernize Blue Mountain operations

Jan. 8, 2018 – Unimin Canada plans to make a multimillion-dollar investment to modernize its mining and manufacturing operations at Blue Mountain in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario. The upgrade will help optimizing new technologies and practices to reduce noise, dust, lighting and use of water, as well as electricity, and will provide improved capabilities to serve its customer markets, says the company.

Upon completion of the modernization project scheduled for early 2020, Blue Mountain’s sister operation at Nephton will be closed. Unimin says it will work closely with its staff and labour representatives to determine “mutually effective adjustment measures” for the approximately 100 employees who will be affected.

During the modernization, the Nephton facility will remain fully operational.

“To sustain our operations in the Kawartha Lakes region over the long-term, it is critical that we continue to increase efficiency levels and stay competitive in the marketplace,” said Carl Horvat, regional general manager. “We appreciate that this will affect a number of valued employees and will work with everyone involved over the next two years, to manage this transition effectively.”