-- Sherritt International (S.TO) has suspended its direct participation in joint venture activities in Cuba, effective immediately, after the US expanded its sanctions against that nation, the company said Thursday.
Brian Imrie, Richard Moat and Brett Richards have resigned from Sherritt's board of directors following the development.
Sherritt said it is taking steps to repatriate its expatriate employees in Cuba, adding that it has requested that its partners repatriate their expatriate personnel in Canada.
Sherritt has not been formally designated by the latest US sanctions on Cuba, although it expects a designation at any time. "In any event, the mere issuance of the executive order itself creates conditions that materially alter the corporation's ability to operate in the ordinary course, including activities related to Sherritt's Cuban joint venture operations," Sherritt said.
"The executive order, and any designation under the executive order, may also result in financial or other providers being unable or unwilling to continue to support Sherritt's operation or other business activities," the company added.
Meanwhile, Shertitt said currently there is no immediate impact on operations in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The refinery is continuing to produce finished nickel and cobalt for sale. The inventory of feed it has available for such production is expected to last until approximately mid-June, it added.