Sunshine Mine shaft is blocked

BIG CREEK - Dislodged shaft timbers at the Sunshine Mine have obstructed underground travelways, Sterling Mining Co. officials reported Thursday.

Robert Higdem, Sterling Mining Co. general manager, said the timbers were discovered last week Thursday above the 3000 level in the Silver Summit shaft during weekly inspections.

The mine, located east of Kellogg, has been closed since September 2008.

Technical Services Manager Guy Sande said the found timber appears to have blocked the manway and running compartments.

Higdem said the blockage has not completely interfered with ventilation flow in the mine.

The exact cause and extent of shaft damage, Sande said, are in the process of being determined.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration has been notified of the Silver Summit shaft impassibility, Higdem said.

Sande said Sterling care and maintenance crew - a 15-person team of mechanics, electricians, shaft repairmen, hoistmen and water treatment operators - are analyzing the situation and exploring a variety of ways to begin shaft repairs.

Work will be moving cautiously, Sande said, so personnel may focus on any safety issues that arise.

Despite this recent timber-clog, Sande and Higdem both report efforts to de-water the Sunshine Mine will not be affected.

Sande said the care and maintenance crew will continue pumping operations - an ongoing process since the company's possession of the property on Aug. 20.

In the beginning the flooding had been close to the 3100 level, Sande said, and after these last five months of work it is now below 3500.

Sande said the goal is to reach the 3700 station while the care and maintenance crew finishes evaluating the mine property.