Vale's plans to open Totten Mine behind schedule

The opening of a Vale mine on the western edge of Greater Sudbury is behind schedule.

The mining company announced plans in 2007 to re-open Totten Mine. The original plan saw the mine going into production in 2011 with about 130 employees.

But company spokesperson Angie Robson said the recent recession left the company with less money to spend on the construction project.

She said an old shaft Vale plans to use is also in worse shape than first thought.

"Opening a new mine is not an easy thing," she said. "It's certainly complex and it takes some time."

Robson said Vale expects to have Totten Mine in full production by the end of 2013.