Troy mine sees progress toward new operations
Revett Minerals Inc. is pleased to provide a status update on efforts to re-establish access to mining areas in the A and C Beds via the Lower Quartzite haulage route at its Troy Mine in northwest Montana.
Since the suspension of underground activities in December 2012, Revett has continued to monitor conditions underground and has undertaken efforts to identify a viable and safe route back into the previously established mining areas. Operating crews have recently completed the D Drive development into the southeast stope of the previously-mined Lower Quartzite ore zone within the North Ore Body. Yesterday afternoon, our operating team, along with our geotechnical consultant and an MSHA representative were able to inspect an area extending approximately 400 feet south of the D Drive to current water levels. Initial observations reveal safe travel conditions to this point. Over the next 30 to 60 days, the Company will continue to dewater and inspect further to the south to ensure this route meets our operating standards. If assessments and inspections continue to indicate no further structural damage at the Lower Quartzite level, then the Company could possibly resume mining operations as early as the fourth quarter of 2013.
John Shanahan, Revett’s President and CEO stated “We are pleased to confirm that the D Drive is indeed viable. We remain cautiously optimistic that the remainder of this access route will meet our standards of safety, but we cannot be categorically sure until all inspections are complete. Our commitment to getting the Troy Mine back into operation has not wavered, nor has our commitment to the safety of our employees.”
About Revett
Revett, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the Troy Mine in Lincoln County, Montana and development-stage Rock Creek Project located in Sanders County, Montana, USA. The proven reserves at the Troy Mine and significant resources at the Rock Creek project form the basis of our plan to become a premier mid-tier base and precious metals producer. Revett plans on expanding production through exploration in and around it’s current properties, as well as through targeted business combinations of advanced stage projects.