Layoffs possible at Troy Mine
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January 20, 2013 |
Rockslides in unused areas of the Troy Mine in
Lincoln County, Montana, forced suspension of
operations there December 1, and uncertainty on
when the mine can reopen has raised the
possibility of layoffs.
The instabilities were caused in November by
rain, freezing temperatures and small tremblers
in the area.
Mine owner Revett Minerals Inc., Spokane Valley,
said all 205 mine workers have been kept busy on
surface projects since the closure, but that may
change depending on when the mine may reopen.
The company has been working with the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
installing seismic monitors that in early
January indicated conditions in the mine were
stabilizing, allowing re-entry into parts of the
mine, but the mine will not be deemed safe for
resumed operations until the entire mine can be
inspected and the Mine Safety and Health
Administration gives final approval.
It is unknown at this point whether such
approval will take weeks or months.
“These geotechnical issues have presented a
challenge over the past few weeks," said Revett
Minerals president and CEO John Shanahan. "We
are looking to get back to production as quickly
as possible, but we must follow prudent
procedures to ensure that the resumption of
underground activities is done correctly and
safely. We thank everyone for their patience.”
So far, it doesn't appear that any of the main
infrastructure of the mine or equipment was
damaged, and there have been no lost time
accidents or injuries as a result of the
instabilities.
"We expect to be operating the Troy Mine for a
long time to come," Shanahan said, "so a
cautious approach to current underground
conditions is consistent with our approach to
being a safe and responsible operator." |
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