Maintenance workers trapped in Cory potash mine

Thirty-four maintenance workers have been trapped underground at Nutrien’s Cory potash mine since Tuesday afternoon.

Will Tigley, a spokesman with Nutrien Ltd., said a service shaft stopped working at its Cory mine near Saskatoon.

“We’re hoping that we can find a solution relatively soon here. But again, it’s all determined on the safety and practicability of the options,” Tigley said Wednesday.

The mine is currently in its summer maintenance turnaround period, according to Tigley.

“Our teams are making the necessary arrangements right now to bring the workers back to the surface as soon as practicable,” he said.

Tigley says the workers are safe and have been on stand down. He added they’re safe and have plenty of food, water, power and contact with the surface.

“They are in frequent contact with ourselves, and they have access to Internet down there so they are in contact with their families as well,” Tigley said.

There isn’t an estimate as to when the workers will be brought to the surface.

The Cory mine is 15 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon.

— With files from The Canadian Press