The eastern hoist is holding heavy loads after the rope examiner found a pale strand near the lower drum. The lift office has paused the next loaded run while a second examination is arranged.
Examiner Dori Tharn said the visible strand has not been identified as a failed fiber. The stop is a precaution while the crew compares the sample with the rope’s load-and-stop book.
No worker has been reported injured, and the mine has not closed the adjacent galleries. Light maintenance traffic is being routed through the west passage while the hoist remains held.
The next test is expected to use a stone load matched to the heaviest routine cart and record a full stop at the lower drum. The office has not said when that test will begin.
This is a developing report. The confirmed finding is a visible strand and a pause in heavy lifting; whether the rope needs replacement remains unresolved.
