Provincial inspectors are at the closed Myra Falls Mine in Strathcona Provincial Park, where a late December flood has been contained.
Myra Falls management informed the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation that flooding had occurred. It was reportedly due to a failed valve which has been replaced and the flooding has stopped, a ministry official said Wednesday.
Two inspectors were at the mine on Tuesday and Wednesday for a full site inspection, she said. “We will be able to provide more details once the underground inspection has been conducted,” the official said.
The severity of the flood is unclear.
Underground operations have been shut down since the mine — which produced copper, lead and zinc, and some gold about 90 kilometres southwest of Campbell River — was placed on long-term care and maintenance in December.
Areas of the underground mine remain powered to maintain critical pumping and ventilation equipment, the ministry said.
Close to 300 workers lost their jobs last month when the mine employer announced the mine was not financially viable and that the company was seeking creditor protection.
The province and City of Campbell River have initiated a support plan involving the miners’ union and First Nations to set up services for workers and plan for the future.
A mine spokesperson could not be reached on Wednesday.
