Lincoln County jobless rate surges after big mine layoff

Nearly 13 percent of job seekers in Lincoln County  were out of work in June as the county’s unemployment figure rose by 1.4 percent, compared to the previous month.

The county’s unemployment rate - 12.9 percent - was affected by recent layoffs in the natural resources industry.

Just before Memorial Day, Revett’s Troy Mine announced that it would cut about half of its payroll, bringing its total workforce to less than 100. The company had kept nearly all of its workers on payroll for about six months after actual mining operations halted as a result of ground fall in December.

Kootenai Job Service Manager Johnette Watkins said she expected the mine layoffs to be reflected in June.

While the county unemployment figure rose, the state’s jobless rate remained unchanged at 5.4 percent. The national rate also was steady at 7.6 percent.

“Montana’s economy got back on track in the second quarter of 2013 after a slow first quarter,” said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy. “We added over 1,700 jobs this quarter, and have gained over 6,000 jobs over the last year.”

Private payroll growth was very strong for the month, adding 2,300 jobs.  However, government job losses countered these gains, resulting in a gain of only 100 jobs for overall payroll employment (combining the private and public sectors). Total employment estimates, which include payroll employment plus the self-employed, also suggested little change in job levels for June. 

The state’s flat employment estimates for June followed fairly large employment gains in May and moderate gains in April. Lincoln County’s jobless rate has fluctuated in the low teens during that period.