In a statement released today, Kameron Collieries ULC says it's ceasing production operations due to "adverse geologic conditions in the mine."

Production was shut down Feb. 13 after a rockfall in an area of the mine that saw another roof collapse two weeks earlier.

Derek Mombourquette says the Labour Department is following up with investigators on site to make sure the coal mine is in compliance with regulations.

The province's senior director of inspection compliance says the collapse occurred at an intersection inside the underground operation at some point over the weekend.

The stop-work order issued Wednesday was applied to a 730-metre rock face that the Labour Department had permitted to reopen in January after a series of roof collapses.

It's the latest incident at the colliery operated by Kameron Coal, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Mining Corp.

Kameron Coal's operations in Cape Breton were suspended for just under a month by the province in late December.

Labi Kousoulis says issuing fines is far less potent than telling Kameron Coal, Canada's only underground colliery, it can't operate the Donkin mine in Cape Breton unless his officials approve a safe roof support plan.

The Cape Breton mine has had six roof falls since July, and the province revoked the mine's ground control permit after the Christmas incident.

Mine spokesperson Shannon Campbell issued a statement describing the incident as "certain adverse geologic conditions beyond our control."