Miners Rescued in B.C. After 60 Hours Underground, Safe and Sound

URGENT UPDATE: Three miners trapped underground at the Red Chris Mine in British Columbia have been successfully rescued after spending over 60 hours in a refuge chamber. The men, identified as Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, and Jesse Chubaty, were extracted late Thursday night and are reported to be in good health.

Officials from Newmont, which operates the mine located south of Dease Lake, confirmed the miners were located around 3 p.m. on Thursday. They remained safe thanks to their access to food, water, and ventilation. The rescue team reached them at 10:40 p.m., bringing the men back to the surface and reuniting them with their families.

During a press conference on Friday morning, Bernard Wessels, Newmont’s global head for health, safety, and security, expressed relief at the successful outcome. “We are deeply relieved that all three individuals are safe and in good health and spirits,” he stated. He emphasized that the miners adhered to safety protocols, which allowed them to stay safe after the cave-in occurred on Tuesday morning.

The drillers had been trapped following the collapse of two sections of the underground area. They took refuge in a chamber designed to accommodate up to 16 people for 48 hours, located approximately 700 metres from the rockfall site. Wessels noted that the miners reported they had been able to catch up on sleep while waiting for the rescue.

“What the response has shown is that safety protocols work,” Wessels added. His comments highlight the importance of adherence to safety measures in such emergencies, ensuring that the trio remained secure during their ordeal.

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by workers in underground mining and underscores the effectiveness of emergency response protocols. As the community breathes a sigh of relief, all eyes are now on the investigation into the collapse and any potential safety improvements needed at the site.

Stay with us for further updates on this developing story.