Vale Inco is training some of its 1,200 workers who aren't currently on strike to work in the smelter.
“In late August, we announced we would be starting limited production, and doing what we were capable of doing, and we would be keeping our future production options open,” said Vale Inco spokesperson Steve Ball, who said he didn't know how many workers were being trained on smelter operations.
“Since that time we've been assessing what would be required to start the smelter, and we've been training people in the required roles since the beginning of September.”
More than 3,000 members of Steelworkers Local 6500 have been on strike since July 13.
Ball said although Vale Inco's intention is to start the smelter, no decision has yet been made to do so. The company is already operating Clarabelle Mill and two mines in the Sudbury area, on a limited basis, using workers who aren't on strike.
“We're going to comply with all safety and regulatory requirements. We've never suggested doing anything differently. We are well aware of our accountabilities to our employees and our community. We would not start smelter unsafely, no matter what you might hear and others might say.”