A Ouray mine where two men died in November was cited for 92 significant and substantial violations by the Mine Safety and Health Administration on Thursday.
The numerous citations led MSHA to issue a Pattern of Violations Notice to Star Mine Operations LLC’s Revenue Mine for the period from Aug. 1, 2013, through July 31, 2014. Among the violations were roof and rib hazards, handling of explosive materials, ventilation and training practices.
Durango resident Rick Williams and Montrose resident Nick Cappano were killed by carbon-monoxide poisoning and 20 other miners were injured on Nov. 17, the day after a small explosion at the mine.
None of the citations announced Thursday was related specifically to that incident.
“Fifty-seven of the citations included either high negligence or reckless disregard by the mine operator,” the release said. “The mine’s S&S issuance rate was 15.67 per 100 inspection hours during the review period, compared to a rate of 4.59 for all other underground metal and nonmetal mines during the same period.”
Only 12 of the nation’s 14,000 mines, including the Revenue Mine – six coal and six metal and nonmetal operations – were identified as needing further evaluation to confirm whether a pattern of violations exists.
It was unclear in the notice whether Fortune Minerals Limited, which announced in May it was buying the mine in stages, will have any liability.
MSHA, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, said it is nearing completion of its investigation of the fatal incident in November, and it will issue any citations for violations that led to the tragedy at that time.
abutler@durangoherald.com