Three workers trapped underground after B.C. mine collapse. Crews race to clear debris, restore communication, and ensure miners’ safe return.
Rescue Teams Battle Time After B.C. Mine Collapse
A high-stakes rescue operation is underway in northern British Columbia, where three workers have been trapped underground since Tuesday following a ground collapse at the Red Chris copper and gold mine on Tahltan Nation territory.
Located about 420 kilometres west of Fort Nelson, the Red Chris mine suffered a partial cave-in that blocked the workers behind a massive pile of debris, measuring up to 30 metres long and 8 metres high.
Search Complicated by Second Collapse
Initially, the workers managed to reach a refuge chamber after the first cave-in. However, a second collapse shortly afterward further restricted access and cut off communication with the team. Mine operator Newmont Corporation confirmed the incident in a public statement, noting the team has been unreachable since Wednesday.
Emergency Protocols Activated Underground
The trapped workers — identified as Darien Maduke (British Columbia), Kevin Coumbs (Ontario), and Jesse Chubaty (Manitoba) — are contractors employed by Hy-Tech Drilling, a company based in B.C. They are believed to be sheltering in a sealed MineARC refuge chamber, capable of sustaining 16 individuals with air, food, and water for extended periods. Additional chambers are nearby if needed.
Natural airflow continues to reach the sealed zone, officials said, which is critical to maintaining safe conditions underground while contact remains severed.
Specialized Equipment Deployed
To assess the underground conditions, the rescue team has deployed remote-controlled scoops and specialized drones. These tools are being used to navigate the hazardous terrain, evaluate the stability of the collapsed zone, and search for safer routes to reach the trapped workers.
Drilling teams are also working to determine the most secure method to clear the debris without triggering further collapses.
Mine Operations Halted Amid Ongoing Rescue
Mining activity at the Red Chris site has been suspended during the emergency response. The open-pit mine, which has been operational since 2014, is jointly managed by Newmont Corporation and the Tahltan Nation, with a focus on copper and gold extraction.
Newmont emphasized its commitment to the safety of its workers and said the rescue remains its top priority. “Our focus is on safely re-establishing communications, clearing access, and bringing the workers home,” the company said in its latest update.
Families and Communities Await News
The incident has drawn national attention, with families and communities across B.C., Ontario, and Manitoba anxiously awaiting updates. While the workers are equipped for survival, the urgency to re-establish contact and extract them safely continues to mount.
Newmont has not yet provided a timeline for the rescue but stated that all available resources are being utilized to ensure the miners’ safety.
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