More trouble for snakebit Sudbury mine.

• Author: Migneault, Jonathan
• Position: MINING - First Nickel

A weekend underground explosion at First Nickel's Lockerby Mine in Sudbury on Aug. 2 resulted in minor injuries and smoke inhalation for one worker, confirmed the company's president and CEO.

"There was an explosion this morning (Aug. 2) that resulted in a worker requiring a medical aid--nothing serious," said First Nickel president and CEO Thomas Boehlert in an email to Northern Ontario Business. "As we do not run a shift on Sunday, we will be assessing the situation underground tomorrow."

In a later release, the company reported that three other workers were checked for smoke inhalation and released without medical treatment.

Lockerby said it's investigating the cause of the incident and planned to resume operations the following day. It's unknown if the Ministry of Labour is investigating.

Mine Mill Local/Unifor 598 president Anne-Marie Maclnnis said her union which represents the mine's workers--is in the midst of making calls to understand exactly what caused the explosion.

"We are finding out what the hell transpired," she said.

This latest incident is part of a turbulent two years for First Nickel and its flagship Lockerby Mine.

On May 6, 2014, drilling contractors Marc Methe, 34, and Norm Bisaillon, 49, were killed by a fall of material at the mine.

After their deaths, the Ministry of Labour laid eight charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act against First Nickel, and another five charges against Taurus Drilling Services, the company that employed both men.

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