Several mining companies have been forced to shutdown their operations in Eastern Canada due to the ongoing wildfires in Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Iron Ore Co. of Canada, which is owned by Rio Tinto Group (RIO), has idled its operations at a mine site in Labrador City, Newfoundland due to the fires that have sent smoke drifting across Eastern Canada and the U.S.
In the Northern Abitibi region of Quebec, Hecla Mining Co. (HL) has ceased operations at its Casa Berardi gold mine due to an emergency order from the provincial government.
Wallbridge Mining Co. (WM) temporarily evacuated its mining camp at its Fenelon Gold project and suspended exploration activities. Osisko Mining (OSK) has withdrawn staff at its Windfall gold mine.
Canada is experiencing its worst wildfires on record, with about 8.2 million acres burned so far this year, according to the Government of Canada.
Smoke from fires burning in Nova Scotia and Quebec is currently hanging over major cities such as New York, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
More than 400 active wildfires are currently burning across the country, prompting thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
In Quebec, about 150 wildfires are currently active, with most of them out of control, according to the provincial government.
Firefighters from several different countries have come to Nova Scotia and Quebec, along with the Canadian military, to help the provinces extinguish the fires.
Earlier this year, wildfires also burned out of control in Alberta, sending smoke drifting across western Canada and temporarily disrupting oil and natural gas production in that province.
