Colorado Gold Mine Ordered to Remain Closed
State regulators have ordered the Mollie Kathleen Mine in Colorado to remain closed and cease conducting tours after a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a tour guide and the trapping of a group of tourists in an elevator accident. This decision comes after an inspection conducted by the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety following the Oct. 10 incident. The agency is investigating if the death of Patrick Weier, 46, was due to the mine’s failure to comply with regulations.
Inspection Records and Closure
Prior to the incident, the mine’s inspection records were deemed “satisfactory” and showed no safety issues. However, following the accident, the state decided to shut down the mine for review. The closure was initiated based on a regulation allowing the division to take action if there is an imminent danger to workers or the public.
Unique Elevator System
The Mollie Kathleen Mine is distinct as the only tourist mine with an elevator accessible to the public. The elevator malfunctioned while descending 500 feet into the mine, leading to the tragic events. While 11 individuals were safely brought up following the incident, another group of 12 adults was stranded 1,000 feet underground until engineers resolved the issue.
Investigations and Oversight
The Teller County Sheriff’s Office and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are currently investigating the incident. The Department of Labor has six months to complete its probe, during which details will not be disclosed. The mining division has also expressed readiness to assist in the investigations.
Insight:
It is essential for tourist attractions, especially those involving potentially hazardous environments like mines, to undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The tragic incident at the Mollie Kathleen Mine highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations and diligent oversight of operations to prevent such accidents. Ongoing investigations will provide more insight into what led to the elevator malfunction and help in implementing preventive measures for the future.
