Major rescue operation underway after 3 miners trapped underground at Red Chris mine in BC; workers safe in refuge station with air, food, and water, officials say
A major rescue operation is underway in British Columbia after three miners became trapped underground at the Red Chris copper and gold mine, following two rockfall incidents that blocked access routes to their location.
British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed the accident on Wednesday(July 23) at the close of a premiers’ meeting in Huntsville, Ontario, saying the miners are believed to be uninjured and are currently sheltering in a designated underground refuge station.
“To the best of our knowledge, they are safe and have access to air, food, and water,” Eby told reporters. “BC miners are among the best in the world, and our rescue teams are exceptional. They will be working overtime to bring these workers home safely to their families.”
Two of the trapped workers are from British Columbia and one is from Ontario. They are contractors, according to Nolan Paquette of United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, who said they are currently located on the opposite side of the collapse.
Newmont Corporation, the majority owner of the Red Chris mine, confirmed that two separate “fall of ground” incidents occurred on Tuesday morning. The workers had initially relocated to one of several underground refuge stations after the first rockfall, more than 500 meters beyond the impacted zone. A second collapse later blocked their escape route and restricted communication.
In a statement, Newmont said contact was initially established with the miners following the first incident, and the workers confirmed they were safe in the refuge bay, which is equipped with adequate supplies and ventilation systems to support an extended stay.
The second collapse, however, has complicated communication and access. “We are actively assembling specialist rescue teams from nearby mine sites,” the company said.
BC Mining Minister Jagrup Brar said the government has dispatched a geotechnical inspector of mines to the site and is working closely with Newmont to coordinate the rescue.
The Ministry of Transportation also expedited a special permit to allow the rapid transfer of heavy equipment from the nearby Brucejack mine to aid the effort.
"I'm heartened to see the immediate support that's been provided from others across the mining industry, in the form of supplies, equipment, and expertise,” Brar said. “Mining operators in BC, including Newmont, have highly trained mine rescue teams at the ready for emergency situations."
Premier Eby said he had briefed Ontario Premier Doug Ford and emphasized interprovincial collaboration to support the situation. “It’s very concerning for the families, the workers, and Canadians across the country. Our thoughts are with them and our appreciation is with the incredibly brave rescue teams working right now.”
The Red Chris mine is located in British Columbia’s remote northern Interior, roughly 1,700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. It is jointly owned by Newmont Corporation, which holds a 70 percent stake, and Imperial Metals Corporation.
Originally an open-pit mine, Red Chris began development of underground block-cave mining in 2019. The method, widely used in large-scale operations, allows for the bulk extraction of lower-grade ore and is known to extend the life of aging open-pit operations.
Officials say the priority remains the safe retrieval of the workers, with mining rescue specialists working against the clock. The refuge stations are designed to sustain life for several days, giving rescuers valuable time to strategize a secure access route.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed the accident on Wednesday(July 23) at the close of a premiers’ meeting in Huntsville, Ontario, saying the miners are believed to be uninjured and are currently sheltering in a designated underground refuge station.
“To the best of our knowledge, they are safe and have access to air, food, and water,” Eby told reporters. “BC miners are among the best in the world, and our rescue teams are exceptional. They will be working overtime to bring these workers home safely to their families.”
Two of the trapped workers are from British Columbia and one is from Ontario. They are contractors, according to Nolan Paquette of United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, who said they are currently located on the opposite side of the collapse.
Dual rockfalls complicated rescue
Newmont Corporation, the majority owner of the Red Chris mine, confirmed that two separate “fall of ground” incidents occurred on Tuesday morning. The workers had initially relocated to one of several underground refuge stations after the first rockfall, more than 500 meters beyond the impacted zone. A second collapse later blocked their escape route and restricted communication.
In a statement, Newmont said contact was initially established with the miners following the first incident, and the workers confirmed they were safe in the refuge bay, which is equipped with adequate supplies and ventilation systems to support an extended stay.
The second collapse, however, has complicated communication and access. “We are actively assembling specialist rescue teams from nearby mine sites,” the company said.
Provincial response and industry support
BC Mining Minister Jagrup Brar said the government has dispatched a geotechnical inspector of mines to the site and is working closely with Newmont to coordinate the rescue.
The Ministry of Transportation also expedited a special permit to allow the rapid transfer of heavy equipment from the nearby Brucejack mine to aid the effort.
"I'm heartened to see the immediate support that's been provided from others across the mining industry, in the form of supplies, equipment, and expertise,” Brar said. “Mining operators in BC, including Newmont, have highly trained mine rescue teams at the ready for emergency situations."
Premier Eby said he had briefed Ontario Premier Doug Ford and emphasized interprovincial collaboration to support the situation. “It’s very concerning for the families, the workers, and Canadians across the country. Our thoughts are with them and our appreciation is with the incredibly brave rescue teams working right now.”
About the Red Chris Mine
The Red Chris mine is located in British Columbia’s remote northern Interior, roughly 1,700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. It is jointly owned by Newmont Corporation, which holds a 70 percent stake, and Imperial Metals Corporation.
Originally an open-pit mine, Red Chris began development of underground block-cave mining in 2019. The method, widely used in large-scale operations, allows for the bulk extraction of lower-grade ore and is known to extend the life of aging open-pit operations.
Looking ahead
Officials say the priority remains the safe retrieval of the workers, with mining rescue specialists working against the clock. The refuge stations are designed to sustain life for several days, giving rescuers valuable time to strategize a secure access route.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
