TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A cease and desist letter was sent to a Colorado gold mine following the death of one of their employees.
Cease and Desist Letter Sent
This week, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) sent the letter to the owners of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, click here to read the letter. The letter is tied to the death of tour guide Patrick Weier who lost his life on Oct. 10 following a reported malfunction with equipment at the mine. The deadly incident forced local authorities to rescue people stuck on a lift and others stuck below in the mine who were on tour. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is leading the probe into the incident.
Regulatory Concerns
The letter prohibits the Mine from re-opening until DRMS’ ongoing review of the operation has been completed. Mine safety at Colorado tourist mines is regulated by the Mine Safety and Training Program within the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Mine safety at active mines is regulated through the Federal Mine Safety & Health Administration.
Prior Safety Record and Closure
The state agency added that before Weier’s death, inspections of the mine were “satisfactory,” with no observed violations or hazards. The gold mine is the only one in the state with a personnel hoist or elevator.
“Overall Colorado tourist mines have an excellent safety record,” the news release adds. “Each year, thousands of tourists safely visit these mines where they learn about the importance of our state’s precious natural resources and the history of mining in Colorado.”
“Recently the Mollie Kathleen experienced a tragic event,” a post on the mine’s website reads. “We would like to send our prayers and condolences to everyone involved. We would also like to thank all of the first responders and emergency personnel who helped us through such a difficult time. The Mollie Kathleen will be closed until further notice.”
The tour is typically one hour long and takes people 1,000 feet into the earth.
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Additional Insight
The tragic incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine highlights the importance of stringent safety regulations in mining operations, especially in tourist mines where visitors may not be familiar with the potential risks involved. While Colorado tourist mines generally have a commendable safety record, this unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers in mining activities.
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