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Officials ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ About Reopening Troy Mine

By Beacon Staff

A recent breakthrough at the Troy Mine could lead to production restarting before the end of the year, according to Revett Minerals officials.

Last week miners successfully reached an area called the Lower Quartzite ore zone that had previously been blocked. Officials with Revett and the Mine Safety and Health Administration inspected part of the “D-Drive,” a tunnel used to reach the ore, and found it to be structurally sound.

“We are pleased to confirm that the that the D Drive is indeed viable. We remain cautiously optimistic that the remainder of this access route will meet our standards of safety, but we cannot be categorically sure until all inspections are complete,” said CEO and President John Shanahan. “Our commitment to getting the Troy Mine back into operation has not wavered, nor has our commitment to the safety of our employees.”

The Troy Mine halted production in December 2012 after unstable ground conditions led to a series of underground rockslides. Earlier this year, the mine laid off half of its workforce after keeping nearly 200 people on the payrolls six months after production halted. About 75 people are now working at the mine.