Mining accident kills one, injures two

By KATHY NUSSBERGER

Managing editor

A mining accident on Monday morning claimed the life of one man and injured two others who were leaving the area. Revett Minerals, Inc., 67 percent owner of the Troy Mine, near Libby, Mont., reported that an isolated rock fall occurred in an active mining area.

"The rock fall resulted in the death of a mechanic, Mike Ivins, 55, who was trapped in a vehicle," Revett Minerals President and CEO, William Orchow said. "We, and all the employees of the Troy Mine are devastated by this accident. Our condolences and sympathies go out to the affected families and their friends."

Scott Brunsdon, CFO of Revett Minerals, Inc., Spokane, Wash., reported on Tuesday that the falling rock covered Ivins maintenance vehicle, which caught on fire.

"Because the rock fall resulted in the vehicle catching fire, the Mine Rescue Crew proceeded with all required safety gear while also using the proper procedures to safely advance to the site," Brunsdon explained.

Orchow said the accident occurred in an active mining area in the south east portion of the mine about 600 feet below the surface.

"The mine was evacuated within the first 30 minutes, and the Mine Rescue Team was mobilized with rescue operations within about an hour of the notice of the accident," Orchow explained. "The Troy Mine has two Mine Rescue Teams, which is required because one team must remain on the surface while the other team is underground. A third crew was called in from the Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho in case additional help was needed."

Revett officials added that management will not consider reopening other portions of the mine until Mines Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) officials have given their approval that conditions are safe.

"All underground mining operations are temporarily suspended pending the results of the investigation, which we anticipate will take several days," Orchow said. "Meanwhile, maintenance activities are cleared for the service and conveyor adits, and our employees will be paid for the time the mine is shut down."

Brunsdon said the two other miners were treated for minor injuries and released from Libby Hospital on Monday.

"It is unclear at this time what caused the rock fall, but MSHA is continuing to investigate," Brunsdon explained Tuesday morning. "However, this accident was not related to past subsidence events. The sink hole occurrences are in a different part of the mine with different geologic conditions and on the surface."