Liberty Mines Inc. has announced the commencement of the open pit part of the mining operations at the McWatters nickel mine in Ontario, Canada. A detailed program has been established to regulate blasting in both the open pit and underground workings to ensure the safety of all employees. Pit blasts are scheduled at approximately 5:30 PM between shifts when all personnel have been cleared from the site to a designated point on the McWatters access road. Underground blasting cannot proceed until the pit crew has exited the pit.