Nova Scotia's Donkin coal mine cited for safety violations since fall reopening

Nova Scotia’s Labour Department has cited the Donkin coal mine for a lengthy list of safety violations since the underground operation in Cape Breton reopened in mid-September.

According to the department, owners Kameron Coal Management Ltd. have received 14 warnings, 19 compliance orders and eight administrative penalties or fines over the last four months.

The violations range from an unqualified employee doing electrical work and the use of an unapproved ventilation control device to the improper storage of compressed gas cylinders.

Labour Minister Jill Balser says the list of violations is concerning but adds that the risk to workers was low.