Revett awaits MSHA approval

Revett Minerals officials are expecting approval of their plan this week from the Mine Safety and Health Administrationa to begin clearing groundfall within the silver and copper mine.

Troy Mine General Manager Doug Miller told Lincoln County commissioners last week the company eagerly awaits approval from MSHA on its step-by-step plan for clearing the fallen rock that virtually halted mining operations in early December.

Since then, Revett has had crews performing maintenance on vehicles, painting buildings and other non-mining duties. Revett has not laid off workers in the four months since the groundfall. Last week, the company just completed another benefit plan.

“The stock-options plan was completed last week,” Miller said Monday.

Miller said he is anticipating approval of the Revett plan by MSHA that would allow the removal of groundfall that halted operations.

“Yes, it’s our plan,” Miller said. “I don’t know when we may hear from (MSHA).

In discussing the plan, Miller said it involves removing groundfall from both ends — from both the north and south entrances.

Asked about the breadth of the groundfall, Miller said he could not begin to know the length of the blockage. However, Miller said typically the groundfall is not solid.

Miller did indicate much of the initial effort of removal would will come from the north adit, as there still is snow up at the south adit.

“You’ve got spring here. It’s still winter up there,” Miller said.

Presiding Commissioner Tony Berget praised Miller and Revett Exploration and Technical Services Manager Larry Erickson for their commitment to employees during the slowdown.

“As commissioners, we are grateful that you have kept everyone on during this phase,” Berget said.

Miller told commissioners Revett is committed to the Troy Mine and the workers who have honed their skills on that mine with an eye toward the Rock Creek Mine in Sanders County which Revett hopes to permit.

“We’ve got a full complement of our work force,” Miller said. “We haven’t laid anyone off.”

The mine employs about 200 people from Lincoln and Sanders counties.

On Monday, Miller said he has yet to hear from MSHA, but he is hopeful work on clearing the rock and debris will begin this week.

“We’ll be ready to go as soon as we get approval,” Miller said.