The collective agreement at the operations expired in September 2021, and while negotiations are ongoing, the strike notice entitles the union to potentially begin strike action following a 72-hour notice period and 48 hours after a mediator reports to the Labour Relations Board.

The earliest that strike action could potentially commence is January 16.

Highland Valley produces both copper and molybdenum concentrates through autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding and flotation. Copper production in 2021 was anticipated to be between 128,000 and 133,000 tonnes.  Annual copper production from 2022 to 2024 is expected to be 135,000 and 165,000 tonnes per year.