Cantung mine rations fuel due to road closure

North American Tungsten has flown out some workers from its Cantungmine on the Yukon/Northwest Territories border, as the road leading to the mine remains closed.

Whileother highways in Yukon have reopenedfollowing a week of flooding, washouts and mudslides, there are still three major washouts along the Nahanni Range Road.

"We've had large diameter culverts that have just been swept away," said Steve Leahy, the company's chief executive officer.

The company is also watching its gasoline supplies dwindle while the road remains closed. It is rationing fuel supplies to keep its underground operations going.

Leahy said the company has been in constant contact with the Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works about repair work.

"Hopefully in a week or so we'll be back up and running with supplies coming in," said Leahy.

"Anytime you have an interruption to your business, it obviously is painful."

Leahy said the company will keep an eye on the situation before deciding if it needs to take further action.