MULLAN - One man is in critical condition at Kootenai Medical Center after an accident late Thursday night at the Lucky Friday mine. Brandon Gray is a contracted worker employed by Cementation, Inc., who was working on construction for the No. 4 Shaft.

"We ask that you keep this individual in your thoughts and prayers," said Mike Dexter, Hecla's community relations representative.

Another man, also employed by Cementation, Inc., was injured but is not currently hospitalized. Officials at Cementation, Inc., could not be reached for comment.

A media release from Hecla Mining Corp., owner of the Lucky Friday, states the contractors were involved in routine activities involving the construction of a 16-foot diameter underground rock bin, which was being built to store broken rock. The work involved drilling, blasting and mucking of rock into a previously constructed area. Both men were believed to be wearing all required personal protection equipment, the release states, including fall protection. For unknown reasons, the two men were drawn into material that was moving underneath them. All personnel are accounted for.

"Operating our mines safely is a top priority for Hecla," said Phil Baker, president and chief executive officer, "and we will continue to work to prevent such incidents from occurring."

The Lucky Friday mine has temporarily ceased mining to investigate this accident.

The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office received an emergency call from the mine around 11:40 p.m. Thursday, and a crew from the Mullan Volunteer Ambulance transported the miners to Shoshone Medical Center.

According to Hecla, the No. 4 Shaft project has been in progress since 2008 and is expected to further extend the mine life beyond 2030. It's expected to descend from 4,900 feet to 8,800 feet. The total project is 41 percent complete, and 80 percent of major procurements have been ordered or installed. Project completion is expected in the second half of 2014.

The accident was the second serious accident at Lucky Friday this year. Larry Marek, a miner, died in an accidental fall of rock in April.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident.