TSX.V: ROK
VANCOUVER, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Roca Mines Inc.
(TSX-V: ROK) ("Roca" or "the Company") announces that production at
its MAX Molybdenum Mine has been temporarily suspended due to
underground stope wall sloughing at the 830mL and 805mL.
Increased wall sloughing activity has been observed in these
areas over the past 24 hours. Rock mass conditions at these levels
were previously observed to be less than that generally seen in the
mine and a number of changes were made to the mine plan and
scheduling as a result.
Management has now directed that no production or development
activity shall take place below the 850mL of the mine until current
stope wall conditions stabilize. This cautious step will protect
the safety of mine workers and equipment from unforeseen ground
conditions. Past experience suggests that ground stresses will be
redistributed in the rock mass and that conditions should improve
over the next 48 hours. Ongoing monitoring and observation will
establish a more accurate timeline to re-enter the area in the
coming hours and days.
It is important to note that the stope wall sloughing is active
only in the stoping area and not in any manned-access; therefore,
there is no impact to the ramp or other parts of the mine.
Management uses an observational approach to assess rock mass
conditions and stability and the Company's underground geotechnical
consultants will assist in a review of the recent events. Subject
to conditions improving as described above, current plans are to
re-enter the area on Sunday August 29,
2010 to begin dewatering and then to re-commence production
on September 2, 2010.
ROCA MINES INC.
"Scott Broughton"
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Scott E. Broughton - President and CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Roca Mines Inc.
Copyright . 26 PR Newswire