Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 26/01) - Veteran miner Derek Roberts, 43, is recovering after receiving serious injuries in an accident at Giant Mine last week.

Miramar Mine general manager John Stard said he has been in regular contact with Roberts, who is still recovering at University Hospital in Edmonton.

Roberts began working at Giant Mine in 1980. "Last time I checked, he was OK," Stard said.

Roberts suffered a severed thumb and a broken leg following a blasting operation underground at the mine's 350-metre level on Oct. 16.

Loose rock from the blast fell on him as he was attempting to "scale" the shaft walls for their integrity.

Stard said mining operations were immediately suspended following the accident, but were resumed the following afternoon after mine safety inspectors from the Workers' Compensation Board determined it was safe for miners to return to work.

Workers' Compensation Board officials declined to comment on their inspection.

Stard said it is yet unclear -- considering the extent of his injuries -- whether Roberts will be able to return to work after he recovers.