Efforts have been made to re-open a Tasmanian mine after the deaths of three workers.

Two workers were killed in falls down the main shaft of the Mount Lyell copper mine last year.

Just a few weeks later, a third person was killed in a sudden rush of mud underground.

The site was closed and workers were suspended on half pay until modifications could be made.

The operators, Copper Mines of Tasmania (CMT), say safety measures have been taken but more time is still needed.

About 200 workers have had to get through on around half their normal wages in the months since the closure, and now CMT says experts need more time consider safety and new mining systems.

CMT says there is a chance that work will begin again in stages from June, but has stressed that assessing the technical and economic possibility of the new mine plan will take time.

“The company remains committed to return the mine to production, provided it can be done safely and that it is economically viable to do so,” CMT General Manager Scot Clyde said in a statement.

“We believe we have identified technical solutions to mitigate the risk of mud rush which would allow us to safely return the mine to production.

“However, this will require significant changes to current operating methods.

“These changes would then need to be reviewed by WorkSafe Tasmania before any return to production is possible,” he said.

WorkSafe Tasmania says its investigation into the three fatalities is ongoing.

CMT management have reportedly held at least one briefing about the return to work, attended by the Australian Workers Union.

Unions reps are encouraged by the talks, but say they would like a clearer timeframe.

CMT says the 300 workers it and contractor Barminco employs for the Mount Lyell mine have been asked to extend the standby pay arrangements imposed in February.

The company has reportedly paid its staff with a combination of care and maintenance employment, redeployment and workers taking leave.

The Tasmanian Government and some local councils have provided temporary alternative work for a number of employees.

“We understand that the uncertainty is stressful for employees, their families and the local community and appreciate everyone's patience during this difficult time,” Mr Clyde says.

Tasmanian Resources Minister Paul Harriss says he has met with mine management, and reaffirmed his support for the project to continue.

“There are some concerns, but we need to just keep working to ensure that that 100-year-old plus mine continues to operate in that community,” he said.