For the fourth year in a row, a Vale Inco mining operation has been recognized as the safest in Canada.
The Copper Cliff North Mine, located in Sudbury, was awarded the national John T. Ryan Trophy, emblematic of excellence in safety, at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's (CIM) 110th annual Conference and Exhibition in Edmonton, Monday evening.
With more than three years without a disabling injury, North Mine had the lowest lost time accident rate of any metal mine in Canada in 2007.
"Receiving this award is a major accomplishment for Vale
Inco and for our team at North Mine," said Murilo Ferreira,
Vale Inco president and CEO. "Safety is our number one priority
at our operations around the world and is at the heart of
everything we do. Our people at North Mine have done an amazing
job looking out for themselves and for each other - and they
have truly set a new standard of safety excellence in our
industry."
 
This is the second year in a row North Mine has won the
national Ryan Trophy. It also marks the fourth consecutive year
a Vale Inco mine has been named the safest in Canada, with
Garson Mine in Sudbury, and Birchtree Mine in Thompson,
Manitoba winning the trophy in 2005 and 2004 respectively.
"Vale Inco has a long and proud tradition of safety, and we continue to work together to continuously improve our performance to keep our employees and communities as safe as we possibly can," added Ferreira.
