Idaho Silver Mine Reopens after Fatal Accident

The Associated PressApril 29, 2011, 7:08PM ET BOISE, Idaho Northern Idaho’s Lucky Friday Mine is operating again, two weeks after Hecla Mining Co. shut it down to try to rescue a miner trapped in a tunnel collapse. Hecla spokeswoman Melanie Hennessey says production is slowly resuming at the underground silver mine in Mullan. The company suspended operations April 15 when a roof collapse in a tunnel more than a mile underground trapped 53-year-old miner Larry Marek. Crews worked to rescue Marek, hoping he was alive. But his body was recovered Sunday and friends and relatives held a memorial service for him Thursday. Hennessey says the area of the accident is closed off for investigation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. She said the mine should be fully operational next week.