Three Miners Trapped After Collapses at Red Chris Mine in Northern British Columbia
A harrowing rescue operation is underway in northern British Columbia after three miners became trapped more than 500 meters underground at the Red Chris gold and copper mine following multiple collapses. The incident, which began Tuesday morning, has prompted a swift response from mine operators, provincial authorities, and neighboring mining companies.
The initial ground collapse forced workers to seek refuge in a designated safety station within the mine, located in Tahltan Nation territory near Dease Lake. However, a subsequent collapse then blocked the access way, severing communication with those inside.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Newmont Corp., the majority owner of the Red Chris mine, confirmed the incident in a statement released Wednesday. The company emphasized that the refuge station is equipped with essential supplies, including food, water, and a ventilation system. A specialist team is being assembled from nearby mines to assist in the rescue efforts. “Our priority remains on ensuring the safety of the three individuals and of the emergency response teams supporting this effort,” a company release stated.
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby revealed that two of the trapped miners are residents of British Columbia, while the third is from Ontario. He refrained from providing further details about the individuals during a press conference Wednesday.
The province has mobilized resources to support the operation, dispatching a geotechnical inspector to assess the stability of the mine. Furthermore, authorities have approved a permit allowing the movement of heavy equipment from the nearby Brucejack mine, according to a statement from Jagrup Brar, B.C. Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals.
Mine Transition and Past Incidents
The Red Chris mine, currently an open-pit mine with a 70-per-cent stake held by Newmont and the remaining 30 per cent controlled by Imperial Metals Corporation, was in the process of transitioning to underground mining. This shift was projected to increase copper production by 80,000 tonnes annually, potentially boosting Canada’s overall output by 15 per cent.
However, Imperial Metals Corporation has faced scrutiny in the past. In December, the company was charged with 15 violations of the federal Fisheries Act stemming from a tailings-pond spill that occurred a decade prior. The Mount Polley copper and gold mine disaster resulted in the release of 25 million cubic meters of wastewater contaminated with arsenic, lead, and copper into local waterways.
The current situation at Red Chris underscores the inherent risks associated with mining operations and the critical importance of robust safety protocols. The focus remains firmly on the safe extraction of the three trapped miners, as authorities and mining professionals work tirelessly to overcome the challenges posed by the unstable underground environment.
