Stop work order lifted after consultant reviews owner's plan to address safety issues related to humidity
Nova Scotia has given underground coal mining firm Kameron Coal Inc. the clearance to operate its Donkin mine once more should it choose to do so – eight months after it issued a stop work order due to occupational safety concerns.
This comes after an independent third-party engineer with specialized experience in mining and tunnelling reviewed the mine’s plan to address humidity that affects roof stability in the warmer months, according to reports.
The province’s Department of Labour also said the mine – in Cape Breton – is rigorously inspected under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and underground mining regulations.
"We have made it clear to Kameron Coal that we have zero tolerance for non-compliance with the Act and we will not hesitate to act if there are concerns about workplace safety," the department said in a statement, according to a report by CBC.
"Although there are risks associated with underground mining, we want miners who choose to work underground to be safe. No matter what you choose to do for a living, please work safe and know the department is here to help.”
The review of the mine’s plan to address humidity is Phase 2 of the safety requirements imposed by the provincial government on the mine owner.
Mine expert Andrew Corkum, last year, concluded that mudstone rock in the roof of the Donkin mine is susceptible to weakening under damp conditions, according to a report from The Canadian Press posted on CTV News.
Corkum proposed the two-phase approach addressing issues such as seasonal changes and humidity.
Kameron Coal Inc. completed Phase 1 of the requirements in January. Phase 1 required the company to revise its hazard assessment classification system and implement additional monitoring measures at the mine.
The mine had been inactive for approximately since July 2023 after a roof collapse. Prior to that, it had reopened in September 2022, following closure in March 2020 due to recurring government stop-work orders related to roof collapses.
‘Welcome news’ for Cape Breton community
James Edwards, deputy mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and a member of the mine's community liaison committee, welcomed the recent development at the Donkin mine.
"It's certainly welcome news within the community, as far as the miners and the mine is concerned," he said, according to the CBC news.
"It comes as really no surprise. The mine was confident that they would be able to adhere to the Corkum report pretty easily."
About 130 workers at the mine had been laid off since its closure in July, noted The Canadian Press.
Edwards, however, said he doesn't know how quickly the mine operator can recall its workers, according to the CBC report. He expects a committee meeting will be called soon so the community can find out what Kameron Coal's plans are.
The closure of the mine also had adverse effects on employers in the Donkin community, as highlighted in a previous report.
