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Wednesday, 31st January 2007 (3959 views)

The Montana Tunnels mine is set to reopen following extensive safety checks at the site, according to new reports.

In 2005, the mine was closed by owner Apollo Gold Corp because of concerns over small landslides and possible wall collapses, but now Montana Tunnels is to reopen in two phases and will resume production of lead, zinc, silver and gold at the beginning of March.

It is expected that more than 170 workers will be re-employed at the site as around $13 million (£6.66 million) worth of work to stabilise walls and generally improve the current condition of the mine is finally completed.

General manager Tim Smith explained that only the mill is yet to resume production and he added: "When we start that mill up, we want to have a continuous run without having to shut the thing for maintenance."

Warren McCullough, a local department of environment quality bureau chief welcomed the mine's re-opening.

"The best way to get reclamation done is concurrently with mining, with cash flow from a healthy mine. We welcome their reopening," said Mr McCullough, speaking to the Associated Press.

 

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