Pre-production work halted at Crescent Mine

The board of directors for United Silver Corp. has chosen to temporarily halt pre-production mine operations and exploration at the company's Crescent Silver Mine, east of Kellogg.

Meanwhile, United Silver is conducting a review of financial proposals, the company announced Monday.

The company said it conducted what it called a strategic review of its current share price, resources, exploration and pre-production mine development programs.

It also said that based on market analysis and independent reports, the board and management of United Silver believe the "fundamentals of the silver market remain supportive for near-term development opportunities such as the Crescent Silver Mine."

Most of the mine's workers, about 90 people, have been laid off. The silver mine is situated between the Sunshine and Bunker Hill mines in the Silver Valley.

"We did lay off some people, but no, not everybody was laid off," said Greg Stewart, director and president of United Mine Services Inc., a mining services contractor in North Idaho owned by United Silver. "I don't want to comment further at this time."

Cathy Hume, a spokeswoman for United Silver, didn't confirm on Wednesday the number of job cuts or layoffs, saying she was not authorized to release operational details.

"There will be more news in due course," she wrote in an e-mail to The Press.

Also, United Silver announced that Charles Pitcher has stepped down as president and CEO of the company.

Chairman of the company, Graham M. (Chip) Clark Jr., accepted the appointment as interim president and CEO effective June 19.