Revett Minerals redefines protocol for mine emergencies

Local law enforcement, fire, rescue are involved

Revett Minerals Inc. presented a protocol outline on Oct. 24, with the help of Bruce Vincent, president of Environomics Inc., in an effort to improve communications and procedures for potential emergencies at the Troy Mine.

“A mine incident is particularly difficult for the families,” Vincent said.

As part of a community partnership, Vincent assembled local services — Ambulance, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, law enforcement, Air-Lift Emergency Response Team (ALERT) and the media — to discuss strategies for implementing the protocol efficiently.

“Determining the appropriate outreach equals communication,” Vincent said.

To establish the initial protocol, Revett examined potential emergency scenarios. The mine experienced a fatality in 2007 during a serious cave-in.

“We learned what went well and what didn’t,” Vincent said.

Emergencies at the mine are potentially comprised of fire, explosion, flood, mine cave-in or slide. The duration of an emergency is difficult to determine. However, time and people involved will have an abundance of needs — food, toiletries, water, lodging, spiritual and emotional support.

In an effort to prevent panic to families, Vincent stressed the importance in how information and updates will be submitted. Emergencies before at the mine overwhelmed the telephone lines with caller’s concerns. Alternative planning for communication was discussed at the meeting.

As a team and leaders are established, in an emergency the leader will notify the property authorities and the families. Until families are aware of the emergency, the media has been instructed to keep the identities of injured persons and their locations private.

“We owe it to them to take care of the families,” Vincent said. “The mine as a whole is a family.”

“Families need to be as close as they can to the situation,” Vincent said.

Law enforcement will be notified to assist family members with transportations, traffic control and possible road closures.

The hospital administration will receive periodic reports to assist potential callers seeking updates for the incident.

Arrangements made by Revett to provide counselors and therapists will be available to families and friends. Families requesting a local clergy will have access to the Libby and Troy Ministerial Association. Clergies can be called to assist families, meeting with them in family center or community-gathering site at the mine.

Revett understands the importance of community and media notification. After families have been notified, contact will be made with local radio and newspapers.

The media will have a pressroom for emergencies continuing for more than 12 hours. Access to high-speed internet, electricity, telephone access and emergency power will be available to the press.

“Incidents change as more information is released,” Vincent said. “The media will have to remain current.”

“The information will come from one source, me.” Vincent said.

Vincent will handle communication at a local level, Vice President of Revett, Carson Rife, will act as the emergency information officer (EIO) for the corporation.