An Augusta lumber mill is closing permanently. The West Fraser Timber mill is expected to shutter by the end of 2025, putting 130 employees out of jobs, the company announced. “The closure of the Augusta lumber mill is a result of challenging lumber demand, and the loss of economically viable residual outlets, which combined has compromised the mill’s long-term viability,” the company said. …West Fraser said it “expects to mitigate the impact on affected employees by providing work opportunities at other company operations, where available.” The Canadian company’s lumber mill operations closest to Augusta are in the Georgia cities of Blackshear, Dudley, and Fitzgerald, all at least 100 miles away. West Fraser also runs facilities in Cordele and in Allendale, South Carolina, that produce oriented strand board. …“The announcement is difficult news for employees, their families, suppliers, and the community,” Georgia Forestry Association’s Tim Lowrimore said.