GOUVERNEUR — Empire State Mine has rescinded its notice of potential layoffs due to better-than-expected financial performance from operations as a result of changes instituted following layoffs in late February.

As previously announced, the Empire State Mine has been restructured and staffing levels matched with planned mining activities, according to a press release.

The notices of potential layoffs that were provided to the remaining staff, as required by the federal and New York Worker Adjustment and Retraining (“WARN”) Acts, have now been withdrawn.

“We are very pleased with how the entire workforce at the Empire State Mine has responded in the face of adversity,” said Empire State Mine Chief Executive Officer Don Taylor. “As indicated at the time of the restructuring, we expected to benefit from greater efficiencies associated with a smaller group of miners. Our workforce has outperformed expectations at every opportunity and delivered positive results since the reduction in workforce. Increased focus on safety has resulted in 188 days or 164,000 hours without a lost time accident. Following the restructuring, hoisted tons, milled tons, zinc grade and payable zinc pounds produced have been higher than expected, and direct operating costs lower than expected. Additionally, near-mine exploration continues to expand and better define higher grade zinc mineral resources that will be key to our future success.”

A revised life-of-mine plan is expected to be completed later this year which will provide additional information about the outlook for the mine, the release said.

“The Empire State Mine continues to invest in mine development and exploration, and remains positive on the potential for further discoveries in the district,” mine officials said.