Dexter was selected to oversee mining activities, while Dyno Nobel will manage all drill/blast activities. Specifically, Dexter will be responsible for stripping, moving waste to the stockpiles and moving ore to the mill, and Dyno Nobel will be handling drilling, blasting and supply of related materials.

Three bids total were submitted for each contract.

ScoZinc, which noted that terms have been outlined with the contractors but did not elaborate further, said the pair was chosen based on price, experience, respective capabilities and previous working relationships.

The 100%-owned ScoZinc zinc and lead mine, which had previously been on care and maintenance, has an eight-year mine life. Officials said it hopes to restart mine operations as soon as possible.