20 years on, Westray mine disaster remembered

Canadian Press reports the sad memory of the disaster lingers in the families of the victims, and it will also be remembered as a case of gross negligence on the part of the owner, Curragh Resources, which failed to live up to promises to use the latest technology to ensure the mine was safe. The company and two of its former managers were eventually charged, but not convicted, with manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death. A public inquiry then ensured:

The inquiry found there was little safety training at the mine, ventilation was poor and the mine’s methane detectors were often broken. Mine managers ignored directives to reduce the buildup of volatile coal dust, and rockfalls were a common occurrence that went unreported.

CP quotes Mining Watch saying that Westray resulted in new legislation enacted in 2004 providing new rules for attributing criminal liability to corporations when workers are killed or injured on the job. The law has been used in criminal prosecutions, however courts have only registered two convictions.

The last of Nova Scotia’s coal mines ceased operations in 2001, but the Donkin mine in Cape Breton could re-open by 2014.

The mine is being redeveloped by Erdene Resource Development Corp. which up to the end of April was partnered with Australian major miner Xstrata, which had a 75% stake. But on April 27th Xstrata announced it was selling its stake. Erdene has a 60-day right of first refusal on the sale by Xstrata Coal for its interest in the project.