Contractor succumbs to injuries at Hecla Lucky Friday Mine

Brandon Lloyd Gray, a 26-year-old miner critically injured at Hecla Mining’s Lucky Friday mine on November 17, succumbed to his injuries early Saturday morning with his family at his side. Lucky Friday is an underground silver, lead, and zinc mine located in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District in northern Idaho.

Gray, a miner since 2008, had been working for Cementation Inc. since February 2011, a company that is under contract for the construction of the mine’s #4 Shaft.

“We are deeply saddened by Brandon’s passing,” said Phil Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer in a released statement.

“Everyone at Hecla extends our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

“Immediately following the accident, Hecla chose to cease mining operations at the Lucky Friday mine in order to focus our attention on the emergency response and to provide support to the affected employees and families of both Hecla and Cementation. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) subsequently issued a 103(j) order. An integrated team of Hecla and Cementation as well as representatives from MSHA are investigating the accident, which is unrelated to the fall of ground accident that occurred on April 15,, 2011. A start-up date for resuming operations has not yet been established,” said the company in a statement.


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