A gypsum mine near Windsor is being mothballed indefinitely at the end of February, and 45 employees will lose their jobs.

But Fundy Gypsum Co. manager Mike Bishop said the company hopes to restart the quarry and production facility.

The American owners — CGI Inc. — said the decision is a response to the continued downturn in the United States housing market. Gypsum from the mine is used to produce wallboard.

"The on going recession in the North American construction market has shown no sign of slowing and our business has gotten to the point where we just can't stay open as a producing operation," Bishop said.

He called the indefinite shut down a case of trying to weather the economic storm.

The workers, who were given the bad news Friday, will be given separation papers and career counselling the end of next month.

Hants West Conservative MLA Chuck Porter said the province needs to help the workers train for new jobs.

"We know there's a skill shortage in this province," he said. "If the province wants to do something they can help the workers to get re-educated."

Fundy Gypsum has been extracting gypsum in the area since 1924. In February 2010, the company received Nova Scotia government approval to expand its operations by another 105 hectares.