Mine lays off 100 workers
TROY — A total of 100 workers were laid off Wednesday and Thursday at the Troy Mine.
Both miners and surface workers were laid off, according to Revett Minerals President and CEO John Shanahan.
“We have been doing everything we could to push this off, expecting to get back into production,” Shanahan said. “However, we realize this is not going to happen immediately. We do hope to resume production this year.”
The silver and copper mine has been shut down since December because of rock falls and cave-ins.
The layoffs, representing about half the mine’s work force, were announced during shift changes Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
“This is a hard decision, a very sad day for us,” Shanahan said. “We have a dedicated work force, and we believe in the Troy Mine and that one day we will resume production.”
According to the official statement from Revett: “Given the unexpected discovery of ground fall and length of time required for alternative development into this area, the company has announced an immediate and significant reduction in the workforce at its Troy Mine.”
Shanahan said remaining crews during the next few months will focus on development of an alternative route, and if safe access can be re-established, mining operations possibly could resume in the fourth quarter of this year.
Since the December shutdown, mine workers were kept employed painting and performing maintenance work.
Recently, however, Revett reported a $4 million loss in the first quarter, and rumors about possible layoffs swirled as some miners left the area for other jobs.
Shanahan complimented Troy Mine workers, calling them “skilled and great employees.”
Wes Decker, 38, has been working at the Troy Mine for 5 1/2 years, the last four-plus years as a rock crusher.
“We all kind of deep down knew sooner or later knew it could come to this. We all hoped it would be later,” Decker said.
During a company meeting, Decker said officials left a ray of hope for laid-off workers.
“Basically, they told us there was one more area that could be [mined],” Decker said. “If that doesn’t work, I don’t know what they’ll do.”
A former truck driver, Decker said he could probably resume that career.
Jim Shaw, 41, has been a hard-rock miner at Troy Mine for two years.
“They told us this morning,” Shaw said Thursday. “I can’t say it was unexpected, but it’s like you hope for the best and plan for the worst. That’s one of the pitfalls of mining. Still, we’re kind of shocked.”
Shaw previously has done carpentry work and he will stay in the area for now.
“I will probably draw unemployment when I’m eligible,” he said. “I’m just going to try and stay optimistic.”
Shaw’s older brother, John, 51, was a crusher operator at the mine
“It was going to happen sooner or later,” John Shaw said of the layoffs. “There were a couple of options to keep the mine open, and one has fallen though. So, there’s still a chance. I’m sure it’s a disappointment to a lot of people.”
Shaw, who owns a ranch in Libby, said he will have plenty of tasks to do until the mine resumes operation.
“I’m here because I want to be. My parents are here, so I’m planning on staying here. Besides, I have plenty of projects to do.”
Gerstenecker is the editor of the Western News in Libby.