Three workers trapped in Canadian mine as rescue operations progress
- Three workers became trapped in a mine due to two rockfalls on July 22, 2025.
- Rescue operations involve using drones and remote-controlled equipment to clear debris.
- The mine company has confirmed the trapped workers have access to air, food, and water, indicating a focus on their well-being during the rescue.
In the province of British Columbia, Canada, three workers became trapped at the Red Chris gold and copper mine on July 22, 2025, following two significant rockfalls. The mine company, Newmont Corp, reported that the workers were located more than 500 meters past the affected zone and had to relocate to a MineARC refuge chamber designed to support up to 16 individuals. Although their communications were cut off after the second rockfall, the company confirmed that the workers have sufficient supplies of air, food, and water for an extended period while search and rescue operations are ongoing. Rescue efforts are currently being coordinated, with a remote-controlled scoop being deployed to remove debris blocking access to the workers. The rockfalls resulted in a sizeable pile of debris which measures approximately 20 to 30 meters long and seven to eight meters high. In the meantime, specialized drones have been introduced to assess the geotechnical conditions underground, and teams are working diligently to restore a communication system for ongoing contact with those trapped. The hope is that these efforts will lead to a successful rescue without further incident. While the workers await rescue, the Red Chris mine operations have been placed on hold. The site primarily operates as an open-pit mine, but it also has ongoing underground development, which started four years after the mine's first production in 2015. The incident illustrates the inherent risks associated with mining and underscores the necessity for stringent safety protocols to protect workers in unforeseen circumstances. Newmont Corp provided assurance that multiple refuge chambers are located nearby, which can be accessed by the trapped workers if necessary. The company revealed that contact with the workers was established following the first rockfall, confirming that they had safely moved to their designated refuge area. The situation remains critical as rescue teams work tirelessly to free the trapped individuals under challenging conditions, emphasizing the urgency for swift resolution to the distressing situation.