Provincial regulator looking for 'all involved parties to continue working on the regulatory processes'
Nova Scotia has lifted the stop-work order previously imposed on the Donkin Coal Mine. The announcement follows the fulfillment of Phase 1 safety requirements by the mine's operator, Kameron Coal Management Ltd., as per the latest compliance order issued by the government.
These Phase 1 safety requirements encompass the revision of the hazard assessment classification system and the implementation of additional monitoring measures within the tunnel.
Scott Nauss, the senior executive director of safety at the labor department, stated, "The Department is satisfied that Kameron Coal has met the conditions outlined in the compliance order. We will continue with strong oversight of this complex worksite to help ensure the company is doing the right things to keep workers safe."
The mine had been inactive for approximately five and a half months 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.
During the winter months, when humidity is lower and does not adversely affect the mine's infrastructure, operations are permitted for the time being.
To assess mitigation efforts in tunnels 2 and 3, as well as ensure compliance with current safety standards and industry best practices, the provincial government enlisted mine expert Andrew Corkum. His report, released on November 15 last year, proposed a two-phase approach addressing issues such as seasonal changes and humidity.
James Edwards, a councilor in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and a member of the mine’s community liaison committee, expressed optimism about the lifting of the stop-work order. He mentioned a Phase 2 requirement scheduled for completion by the end of February and raised questions about potential workforce mobilization in January without Phase 2 being finalized.
Dawson Brisco, CEO of Morien Resources, Inc., a provincial regulator for the Donkin Mine, emphasized the need for collaboration among involved parties to facilitate the mine's reopening. Brisco stated, "What we're looking forward to now is for all involved parties to continue working on the regulatory processes to reopen this mine," as reported by CTV News.
The closure of the mine had adverse effects on employers in the Donkin community, as highlighted in a previous report.
Phase 2 of the safety requirements mandates the hiring of an independent third-party engineer with specialized experience in mining and tunnelling to review the mine’s ground control plan before February 29.
