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