ALL EMPLOYEES AT VALE’S TOTTEN MINE SAFELY BACK ABOVE GROUND

Rhea-AI Summary

Vale has successfully ensured the safe return of all 39 employees from its Totten Mine in Sudbury, Ontario, after a shaft damage incident. The employees were underground since Sunday but were safely evacuated with the help of Vale's rescue team through a secondary egress ladder system. CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo expressed gratitude towards the rescue team and emphasized the priority placed on employee safety. An investigation will follow to understand the circumstances of the incident and to prevent future occurrences.

Positive

• All 39 employees returned safely from Totten Mine.
• Emergency plans and procedures effectively facilitated safe evacuation.

Negative

• Incident of shaft damage posed safety risks.

Sudbury, Ontario, Sept. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vale informs that all 39 employees underground at its Totten Mine in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada have now safely returned to surface.

 

“I’d like to congratulate our rescue team,” Vale Chief Executive Officer Eduardo Bartolomeo said from Sudbury, where he met with employees and rescue personnel.

 

“Bringing our 39 employees home safe and healthy was our top priority and we’re glad that our emergency plans and procedures worked to deliver that outcome. All the employees are safe now and deserve our deep respect for their perseverance and strong will.” 

 

The employees had been underground since reporting for dayshift Sunday when damage to the shaft rendered the normal conveyance system inoperable. Employees exited the mine with support from Vale’s mine rescue team through a secondary egress ladder system.

 

“This is tremendous news flowing from very difficult circumstances,” said Bartolomeo. “All of us at Vale were focused on and committed to the safe return of our employees underground. Hearing that every one of them is back on surface and returning home is the best news we could have received.”

 

With employees safely returned to surface, Bartolomeo says an investigation will be launched into what happened, so that the company can learn from it and take steps to ensure it never happens again.

 

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FAQ

What happened at Vale's Totten Mine in September 2021?

In September 2021, shaft damage at Vale's Totten Mine trapped 39 employees underground, but they were safely evacuated.

How did Vale ensure the safety of employees at the Totten Mine?

Vale's rescue team utilized a secondary egress ladder system to evacuate the trapped employees safely.

What did CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo say about the incident at the Totten Mine?

CEO Bartolomeo praised the rescue team and emphasized that employee safety was the top priority.

Is there going to be an investigation regarding the Totten Mine incident?

Yes, Vale plans to launch an investigation to understand the causes of the shaft damage incident.