Revett Minerals marks safety milestone, makes plans for more

Revett Minerals, Inc., celebrated its one-year anniversary Feb. 15 since a lost-time accident at the Troy Mine, and it will focus on ways to ensure safety for the future.

Revett’s Employee-Safety Committee will examine strategies to continue its success by highlighting and reinforcing the current safety standards. The committee will collect feedback from employees, supervisors and managers to promote a culture of safety — always asking the question, “What more can we do?”

In the tailings area of the mine, construction work on Cell No. 1 began in September to lift the perimeter of the cell.

In 2010, the Troy Mine improved its water-monitoring and dust control methods, including the placement of three wells to increase the groundwater monitoring program. The tailings area will receive two additional wells this year — resulting in less dust during the dry and windy months.

Kim Annis, Bear Management Specialist for the Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, recently conducted her annual bear-safety training for the employees at the mine.

Annis demonstrated the proper uses of bear spray and ways to prevent interactions with bears.

Biologist Wayne Kasworm from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joined Annis, discussing the positive recovery augmentation program.

Revett recognizes the value of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital (SJLH) — it is the only hospital in the area, making it crucial to the community and local residents.

Revett Human Resources and Safety Manager Renee Guiswite is one of the 15 volunteers currently on the SJLH Foundation Board. Guiswite works with the board to organize fundraisers like the Playing for Fundsies golf tournament, SJLH Society Dinner and the Fesitval of Trees.

“It is personally fulfilling to volunteer my time serving within the community while representing the company (Revett) in doing so,” Guiswite said.