All miners have been safely removed from Hecla Mining Co.’s Lucky Friday mine near Mullan, Idaho, following a rock burst that occurred Wednesday, December 14, at approximately 7:40 p.m. “We are thankful that all employees are out of the mine and have been accounted for, and that those injured have been treated. The safety of our employees is our primary concern,” said Phil Baker, president and CEO, Hecla Mining. The mine is currently closed pending further investigation.
The incident occurred at 5,900 feet below the surface. Seven people were transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No mine blasting had taken place anywhere in the mine for the previous 24 hours; therefore, the rock burst is unrelated to blasting activities. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration was notified and investigators are at the mine.
