Mine, Ivins family settle lawsuit

Revett Minerals’ insurance company has reached a settlement agreement subject to court approval with the widow of a man who was killed two years ago in a cave-in at Troy Mine.

Tammy Ivins filed a civil lawsuit in February, seeking $18 million in compensatory and punitive damages for alleged negligence on the part of mine management and failure to provide a safe workplace after the July 2007 death of 55-year-old Mike Ivins.

As a publicly traded company, Revett was required by law to release a statement about the tentative settlement, though details of the agreement were withheld due to a confidentiality agreement between parties.

“I do believe the matter has been settled, but of course, it is subject to final court approval,” said John Shanahan, Revett’s chief executive officer. “It is a private matter between the parties and, unfortunately, I am unable to comment further.”

Ivins’ attorney, David Slovak, of Lewis, Slovak and Kovacich in Great Falls, also declined to comment about the terms of the agreement.

“We’re hoping a settlement will be reached shortly after the first of the year,” Slovak said. “It’s my understanding that the terms of the settlement are confidential, so that’s all I can say.”

The Mine Safety and Health Administration ruled that Ivins died because management failed to properly support the rock roof.

Mine officials disputed the findings and got a reprieve this summer when Revett’s insurance carrier, Federal Insurance Co., agreed to handle the case.