Vale closes nickel mine in Canada

One of the world's largest mining companies, Vale, plans to close its Birchtree nickel mine in Manitoba province by October 1, due to low nickel prices and low grade. The company also indicated that the 51-year-old Birchtree nickel mine is approaching depletion as a reason.

Vale said in a statement that the mine closure would result in unemployment for more than 200 workers, while Vale's nickel ore supply from Manitoba would be cut 6,000 tons per year.

At the same time, Vale is considering increasing production at its Thompson mines to offset the decline caused by the closure of Birchtree.