Mining company has hired 180 since Nov. 1

Posted at: 01/13/2011 2:53 PM | Updated at: 01/13/2011 2:54 PM
By: The Associated Press

SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) - About 180 workers have been added to the payroll at Chino Mines Co. since the company began hiring Nov. 1.

Freeport-McMoRan announced in October it will restart mining and milling operations at its Chino copper mine near Silver City.

The company closed the mine in 2008 because of global economic conditions.

Freeport-McMoRan spokesman Richard Peterson told the Silver City Daily Press the company plans to hire about 570 employees and resume mining in the first quarter of 2011.

The mine will restart concentrator operations in the second quarter.

Among the positions being sought are heavy-equipment, concentrator and filter plant operators, truck and drill mechanics, oilers, industrial mechanics, electricians and laborers.

The firm also needs to fill administrative jobs.

The hiring process will continue through the first half of the year.

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