One of Windsor Salt's two mines in Windsor is about to undergo a major expansion.
Core drilling is underway right to determine the mineral rights at the Ojibway Salt Mine on Goyers Ln. After that, work could start near the end of next year to expand the mine, extending its life another 40 years.
Unifor Local 1959 president Bill Wark calls it the most significant expansion since the mine opened in 1959.
"It encompasses going down to a new mining level and a new mineral vein, which would take us to approximately 400 ft or so below our existing mining level."
Unifor Local 1959 represents 185 workers at the Ojibway mine. Wark says Windsor Salt, which is part of Morton Salt, may hire, but the expansion will secure work for his members.
The mine supplies road de-icing salt. A sister mine on Prospect Ave., which will not expand, produces water softening salt.