VANCOUVER (miningweekly.com) – Mexico-focused precious metals producer First Majestic Silver has reported the death of four miners at its La Encantada mine, in Coahuila state.
The miners died of gas poisoning underground, despite carrying all required personal protection equipment, including safety belt breathing apparatuses, which the company said the miners “sadly did not use”.
TSX- and NYSE-listed First Majestic said it had shuttered the mine while the incident is being investigated internally and by Mexican authorities.
The company expects to resume mining operations on Wednesday, but the 790 area, where the accident took place, will remain closed until the investigation is completed.
La Encantada is forecast to produce between 2.3-million and 2.5-million ounces of silver in 2017, at all-in sustaining costs of $14.68/oz to $16.07/oz.