Tag Archives: mine

Idaho, Technology, U.S.

Still no Luck at the Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho

Rescuers are bringing in more equipment to dig out Larry Marek.  A section of roof caved in on him and his brother last Friday, his brother got out.

The latest info is that a large diamond drill will be used to drill a hole through the debris, to try and determine if Marek is alive.  It could take two days to drill through the 185 feet (56.3 meters) of dirt.

Rescue efforts are slow because the size of the collapse was underestimated.  Rescuers are also waiting for parts, so they can use a bigger drone digger.

The company that owns the Lucky Friday mine, Hecla, has a good safety record going back to 2000.  But there have been accidents at other Idaho mines.  Last June a miner was killed when a slab of rock fell on him, while he was working at the Galena Mine.

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

Efforts to rescue Idaho Mine employee continue

Larry Marek was trapped when 22.8 meters (75 feet) of the tunnel collapsed on him.   Since then ten-member rescue squads, working 12-hour shifts, have cleared 9.7 meters (32 feet) of debris, trying to get to him.

It happened on Friday, April 15, at the Lucky Friday mine owned by Hecla Mining company.  After digging about 7.6 meters (25 feet), rescuers had to focus on stabilizing the roof of the mine.

A robot digging machine arrived Sunday night, but they must assemble it inside the mine before they can use it.

The Lucky Friday mine has been operating since 1942.   Watch AP video report

 

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

Idaho Silver Mine Collapse, Miner Trapped

“We are doing every effort possible to expedite this in a safe manner. It is a rescue mission.”-Melanie Hennessey, Hecla Mining Compnay

The Lucky Friday Mine, in northern Idaho, collapsed Friday afternoon, trapping  one employee.  News of the collapse didn’t hit the media until Saturday.

There were two miners in the area when the tunnel caved in, one got out, the other is trapped.  The trapped miner’s condition is not known. Equipment is being flown in to help with rescue efforts.

The collapse happened near the end of a 1,874 meter (6,150 feet) deep tunnel.

“This is something people are used to feeling, because when the rock burst happens, you can feel it all over town.”-Glen Gotcher, veteran miner

The mine is located near Mullan, Idaho, a town of about 840 residents.  Hecla Mining is expanding its silver mining operation, thanks to the higher prices for silver.  They have a good safety record at the mine, but did get fined for water contamination in 2009.