Vale Canada has restructured their exploration group in the Base Metals business in Canada, which will result in cutting nine positions in Sudbury.
The changes bring together two groups - Brownfield and Greenfield Exploration - as a single entity whereas previously they existed separately.
In Sudbury, five permanent employees are affected as well as four casual (contract) employees.
"These are difficult but necessary decisions in the face of continued depressed metal prices," said a news release from Danica Pagnutti, Vale corporate affairs.
"As you are no doubt aware, our business and our industry have been suffering through a prolonged downturn in commodity prices that has proven very challengin. To weather current conditions and position ourselves for the future, we routinely analyze every area of the business to search for ways to do things more efficiently and effectively."
The release goes on to say that the move is intended to simplify the exploration function and establish clear reporting relationships for work conducted in Canada – including in Sudbury where exploration continues.
