Lockerby Mine shut down after inspection

First Nickel's Lockerby Mine has been shut down temporarily after an April 23 Ontario Ministry of Labour inspection.

A ministry inspector found problems in one of the mine's two shafts, and issued a stop work order for that shaft, according to ministry spokesperson Matt Blajer. He said he didn't have any information about what these problems are.

The entire mine had to be shut down due to the stop work order because by law, all mines have to have two exits. The only alternate exit for the shaft which was shut down is in the other shaft, he said.

“The other shaft can't operate to bring men down, or subsequently up, so basically, the mine is shut down,” Blajer said.

He said the mine will be closed until the repairs are completed.

Posted by Arron Pickard