No concerning water issues at First Nickel mine, says former Taurus Drilling owner

A former ownerof Taurus Drilling Services says he didn't see anything worrisome in First Nickel's Lockerby mine before the fatal 2014 incident astatement that contradicts the testimony of multiple witnesses.

Taurus Drilling and First Nickel Inc. are on trial in Sudbury for a total of 12 charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The charges are a result of a 2014 fall of ground that killedNorm Bisaillon and Marc Methe, two contractworkers for Taurus at the time.

• Miners didn't make errors before 2014 Lockerby Mine accident in Sudbury, says Ministry engineer
• Testimony resumes in First Nickel, Taurus Drilling case

Roger Breau was the former owner, president and general manager ofTaurus Drilling. The company was contracted to work in First Nickel's Lockerbymine, starting in 2012. Taurus was acquired by another company in July 2014 in an assets sale. It is now a numbered company.

Boss saw no water concerns

Breau told the court hevisited the victims' worksite just weeks before the incident.

"There was some small drips [of water], but nothing of concern," he said.

Multiple witnesses testified earlier that the mine had dangerously high levels of water, and several employees didn't want to work in wet areas.

On Wednesday, court heard that Taurus workers reported troublesconducting blasts due to the mine's excessive humidity.The water would prevent explosives from detonating, causing more work and concerns for employees.

Breau said he was unaware of employees' concerns until after the fatal 2014 incident.

Bisaillonwas 'very diligent' with work

Breau didn't know Methe well, but had a working relationship with Bisaillon for more than 20 years. He told the court that Bisaillon was a very capable individual, and if he had an issue with a worksite, he would "stand his ground on it."

• Justin Bisaillon testifies about his work refusal in First Nickel, Taurus Drilling trial

Breau also said he didn't believe there was any indication that the site was unsafe.

"If there was, Norm would have seen it. He was very diligent that way very aware of his surroundings," Breau told the court.

"The fact that they continued to work tells me he thought it was safe to do so."

Necessary extensive questioning

Defense lawyer JohnIllingworthalsoputBreauthrough extensive questioning aboutTaurus's responsibilities at theLockerbymine, the types of explosives First Nickel told Taurus workers to use, details of blasting letters and shift log procedures.

"I think it's important for court to have an understanding of how a process is done,"Illingworthtold reporters after court.

"In the absence of First Nickel, some of that explanation falls on us as well as the Crown to explain how a process is conducted."

Taurus Drilling is facing the following charges:

• Failing to use efforts todetermine the cause of a misfire that happened weeks before the fatal 2014 incident.
• Failing to develop a communication plan for falls of ground and other emergencies.
• Failing to examine ground conditions for dangers, and make it safe for workers.
• Failing to provide adequate lighting for workers to do their jobs.