Roca Mines (TSX-V:ROK) has the mill back up and running at its Max Molybdenum mine near Revelstoke, nearly a year after the company shut the operation down following a sill pillar collapse.

The Vancouver-based company said the mill will initially process surface stockpile material at a reduced rate until the underground mine recommences full production.

The mine was originally shut down last September after sloughing activity was noticed at an underground wall, which was followed by a pillar collapse.

Roca had originally tabled an eight-week plan to get the mine back into production, but then had to go to the market to raise money to help the company to repair the operation.

The mine commenced production in 2008, and months before shutdown had received permits for a major expansion.

Roca could not be reached for comment, but in a release the company said underground crews continued to work on a new bypass on the main access ramp and were also drilling a new stope.

At press time, Roca’s shares were up 7 per cent to $0.23.