Troy Mine lays off workers

Laying off workers was a decision Revett Minerals President and CEO John Shanahan lamented, but during shift changes on consecutive days Wednesday and Thursday those reluctant words came.

 “Yes, we have made layoffs last night and again this morning, during shift changes,” Shanahan said. “It’s a combination of both — miners and surface workers. It’s about 100 workers, salaried and hourly.”

“We have been doing everything we could to push this off, expecting to get back into production. However, we realize this is not going to happen immediately,” he said. “We do hope to resume production this year.”

Shanahan complimented Troy Mine workers, calling them “skilled and great employees.” 

In a Revett Minerals, Inc., statement, Shanahan explained the reason for the layoffs as an unexpected discovery of ground fall in the B Drive area of the mine. 

“Given the unexpected discovery of ground fall and length of time required for alternative development into this area, the company has announced an immediate and significant reduction in the workforce at its Troy Mine,” Shanahan said in the statement.

He said remaining crews during the next few months will focus on development of an alternative route, and if safe access can be re-established, mining operations into could possibly resume in the fourth quarter of this year. 

“This is a hard decision, a very sad day for us,” Shanahan said. “We have a dedicated workforce, and we believe in the Troy Mine and that one day we will resume production.”

The layoffs leave about 80 employees at the mine.

Wes Decker, 38, has been working at the Troy Mine for 5½ years, the last four-plus years as a rock crusher.

“We all kind of deep down knew sooner or later it could come to this. We all hoped it would be later,” he said.

During a company meeting, Decker said officials left a ray of hope for laid-off workers.

“Basically, they told us there was one more area. If that doesn’t work, I don’t know what they’ll do,” Decker said.

A former truck driver, Decker said he could probably resume that career.

“I can’t afford to be off too long. I’ve got a CDL, so I guess I could fall back on that,” he said. “It was nice to come home every night, so if the mine reopens, yeah, I’d come back.”

Jim Shaw, 41, has been a hard-rock miner at Troy Mine for two years. 

“They told us this morning,” Shaw said. “I can’t say it was unexpected, but it’s like you hope for the best and plan for the worst. That’s one of the pitfalls of mining. Still, we’re kind of shocked.”

Shaw said he has done carpentry work previously, and he will, for now, stay in the area.

“I will probably draw unemployment when I’m eligible. I’m just going to try and stay optimistic.”

Shaw’s older brother, John Shaw, 51, also worked at the mine. For him, a crusher operator, the layoff didn’t come as a surprise.

“It was going to happen sooner or later,” Shaw said. “There were a couple of options to keep the mine open, and one has fallen through. So, there’s still a chance. I’m sure it’s a disappointment to a lot of people.”

Shaw, who owns a ranch in Libby, said he’ll have plenty of tasks to do until the mine resumes operation.

“I’m here because I want to be,” he said. “My parents are here, so I’m planning on staying here. Besides, I have plenty of projects to do.”

The mine closed in early December with hopes of resuming operation during the six months that followed. 

However, ground fall and persistent moving and falling of rock has kept operations at bay.

During the stoppage, which has lasted six-plus months, the mine kept its workers employed, painting and performing maintenance work. Recently, however, Revett reported a $4 million loss in the first quarter, and rumors about ensuing layoffs swirled as some miners left the area for other jobs.