06:56 AM EDT, 07/16/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Champion Iron ( CIAFF ) , which lost 2.1% yesterday, overnight Monday announced a "gradual" return of its workforce to the Bloom Lake mine following a preventive evacuation and temporary shut down of operations on July 12, 2024, in response to nearby forest fires.

With the forest fires subsiding and following the evacuation pre-alert being lifted for the town of Fermont, located near the Company's Bloom Lake mine, Champion initiated a progressive return of its workforce, a statement noted.

It said while the forest fires remain active north of Bloom Lake, recent events did not affect the company's and third parties' infrastructure, which should enable a gradual ramp-up of production and rail shipments from Bloom Lake to Sept-Iles. The timing and resumption of full operational activities remain subject to the availability of railway services, it added.

The company said it continues to collaborate with local authorities and the railway operator to expedite a return to normal operations, while prioritizing the safety of its employees and the community.

This comes after Champion Iron ( CIAFF ) and Labrador Iron Ore Royalty ( LIFZF ) over the weekend said they are temporarily shutting down operations in response to wildfires.