For the second year in a row, the Sudbury-area Copper Cliff North Mine has been named as the safest in Canada.

At the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's (CIM) 110th annual Conference and Exhibition in Edmonton, the North Mine was awarded the national John T. Ryan trophy, a symbol of excellence in safety.

The mine has had more than three years without a disabling injury, giving it the lowest lost-time accident rate of any Canadian metal mine in 2007.

"Receiving this award is a major accomplishment for Vale Inco and for our team at the North Mine," Murilo Ferreira, president and CEO of Vale Inco, said in a release.

"Our people at North Mine have done an amazing job looking out for themselves and for each other - and they have truly set a new standard of safety excellence in our industry."

As the North Mine also won the award in 2006, this is the fourth consecutive year that a Vale Inco mining operation has been honored in this way.

The Garson Mine in Sudbury and Birchtree Mine in Thompson, Manitoba won the Ryan Trophy in 2005 and 2006, respectively.