Mining company using temporary foreign workers invests millions in B.C. housing

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. – The mining company at the centre of concerns over the use of temporary foreign workers in British Columbia says it is doing more to invest in a community where its minority partner pulled out of a controversial project just a day earlier.

HD Mining said Sunday it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the weekend to celebrate its more than $15 million investment in housing in Tumbler Ridge, which will be used by workers at its nearby Murray River coal mine.

On Saturday, another company that has a minor stake in the Murray River mine — Canadian Dehua International Mines Group —announced it has decided to wind down work at its Wapiti River coal project, located southeast of Tumbler Ridge.

Dehua says it will discuss the decision more on Monday, but has explained its investors are reluctant to continue their support during a legal challenge related to the Murray River project.

HD Mining has defended bringing in 201 miners from China, a move that’s being legally fought by two unions and has also prompted a federal government review of the entire temporary foreign worker program.

HD Mining Chairman Penggui Yan says the company is committed to the community of Tumbler Ridge, and is honoured by the warm welcome it has received.