The National Mining Association (NMA) recognized Hecla Mining Co. for receiving independent certification under its CORESafety system. “We are pleased to be the first hard rock mining company to achieve certification,” said Phillips S. Baker Jr., Hecla’s president and CEO. “This significant achievement is made possible by a commitment to safety exhibited at every level of our workforce, from the miners to site management and beyond.”
CORESafety’s approach to mining safety and health emphasizes accident prevention using a risk-based management system, the foundation of which involves leadership, management and assurance. Its objective is zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in mining’s injury rate within five years of implementation.
The program is a voluntary mine safety and health initiative developed and facilitated by NMA. Participants agree to: commit to the system; implement a functionally equivalent version of the CORESafety safety and health management system; submit to NMA annual self-assessments of progress toward implementation of the system; and, if the company elects to become or maintain certification, complete a third-party assessment of its safety and health management system to verify that it is functionally equivalent to CORESafety and submit the assessment report to NMA.
“Our congratulations go to Hecla on this great achievement,” said Hal Quinn, President and CEO of NMA. “It shows the company’s commitment to safety as a core value. The CORESafety framework is about going beyond what is required by regulations with a sincere commitment to continuous improvement. Hecla has shown this commitment and, in doing so, created a safer work environment for all of its people.”
DNV-GL (Det Norske Veritas) conducted the independent audit at Hecla’s Greens Creek mine on Admiralty Island in Alaska.
