Coeur d’Alene Mines has announced that its flagship Rochester mine and employees were recognized with major 2010 safety awards presented for outstanding achievement by the Nevada Mining Association (NVMA). Rochester remains on track to further extend its mine operations later this year, with additional silver and gold recovery beginning in 2011. The NVMA presented Coeur Rochester its 2010 1st Place Safety Achievement Award for the Open Pit — Small Mine category. In June, the mine passed a significant safety milestone by operating three years without a lost time accident or reportable incident.
In addition, Coeur Rochester employee Richard Wagner received the NVMA Individual Safety Award given to a safety professional. Rich directs the mine’s safety and loss control efforts., He has been with Coeur at the Rochester mine for over thirteen years, the last six years in safety. Wayne Maitaalso received the NVMA Individual Safety Award given to a supervisor. Wayne supervises the leach crew. He has been with Rochester for over thirteen years, the last five years as a Leadman/Supervisor.
Rochester has produced over 125 Moz Ag and over 1 Moz Au in 25 years of operations. In 2009, the mine produced 2.2 Moz Ag and 12,663 oz Au. The mine is preparing to mine ore zones this year which are expected to extend mine life by an additional six years with average additional production of 2.5 Moz Ag and 33,000 oz Au. Silver and gold mineral reserves at the beginning of the year totalled 25.9 Moz Ag and 232,000 oz Au.
Coeur is a recognized leader in environmental stewardship and worker safety – with nine national and international awards earned over the past year. The company’s three new long-life mines include the San Bartolomé silver mine in Bolivia which began operations in 2008, the Palmarejo silver/gold mine in Mexico, which began operations in 2009, and the Kensington gold mine in Alaska, which began production in June of this year. Coeur also owns underground mines in Argentina and one surface mine in Nevada, as well as a non-operating interest in a low-cost mine in Australia. The company also conducts exploration activities in Alaska, Argentina and Mexico.