A Cape Breton coal mine that was told to stop working after two roof falls last summer is now allowed to start producing coal all year.
The underground operation at the Donkin mine has been shut down, and 130 workers let go, since a roof collapse on July 15, which came after a smaller collapse on July 9.
The Nova Scotia Labour Department announced today that a third-party consultant has reviewed a plan to address humidity issues affecting roof stability during warmer months and has determined that the stop-work order can be lifted.
It was the second of two challenges the mine had to overcome to reopen year-round.
A geological expert who studied the rockfalls concluded last autumn that seasonal weather and humidity impact roof stability at the underground operation.
Andrew Corkum found that mudstone rock in the roof can become weaker under damp conditions, which are most common in the spring and summer.
Kameron Coal did not respond to requests for comment on whether it plans to resume operations at the mine.
The province’s announcement says, “the company is now allowed to reopen for year-round operation if it chooses to do so. It is the employer's responsibility to communicate its intentions about reopening and how it will ensure the safety of its workers.”
The province initially indicated in December that the mine could reopen, but at that time, it was also stated that Kameron Coal had to meet the second phase of safety requirements by the end of February.
The Donkin mine first opened in 2017 and is described by the province as the world’s only operating subsea coal mine. It restarted operations in September 2022 after being closed in March 2020 due to declining coal prices and roof collapses that resulted in repeated stop-work orders.
The news release stated that provincial inspectors will continue to closely oversee and rigorously monitor the work site.
“We have informed Kameron Coal that we do not tolerate any non-compliance and will take action if there are concerns about workplace safety.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 13, 2024.
