DOW JONES NEWSWIRES U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis on Monday promised a thorough investigation into the death of Idaho silver miner Larry Marek, whose body was recovered from Hecla Mining Co.'s (HL) Lucky Friday Mine nine days after a ceiling collapse more than a mile underground, the Spokesman-Review newspaper of Spokane, Wash., reported. The body of 53-year-old Marek was found Sunday, after more than a week of round-the-clock efforts to locate him. It appeared he died during the initial cave-in on April 15, authorities said. Solis said the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which her department oversees, will investigate the incident at the mine near Mullan, in northern Idaho. The secretary also sent condolences to Marek's family. "No miner should ever have to die for a paycheck," she said in a statement. Hecla, based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, said it also will investigate what caused the collapse. "Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel at the tragic loss of our friend, colleague and 30-year veteran of the mining industry," a statement from the company read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends." Full story at http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/apr/25/workers-recover-miners-remains/ -Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2900
