Rescue Operation Underway for Trapped Miners at Red Chris Mine in Northern B.C.

Three miners are trapped underground at Red Chris mine in northern B.C. A rescue operation is underway, and the miners are believed to be uninjured, located in a refuge area.

Title: Rescue Operation Underway at Red Chris Mine in Northern British Columbia

A major rescue operation is underway at the Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia, following two rockfall incidents that trapped three miners underground. The miners, who are believed to be uninjured, are currently sheltering in a designated underground refuge station equipped with essential supplies and ventilation systems.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, with the miners initially relocating to a refuge station after the first rockfall. However, a second collapse later blocked their escape route and restricted communication. British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed the accident on Wednesday, July 23, stating that the miners are believed to be safe and have access to air, food, and water.

Newmont Corporation, the majority owner of the Red Chris mine, has confirmed that two separate "fall of ground" incidents occurred. The company is actively assembling specialist rescue teams from nearby mine sites to aid in the rescue effort.

The provincial 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 has also expedited a special permit to allow the rapid transfer of heavy equipment from the nearby Brucejack mine to aid the effort.

Premier Eby has emphasized interprovincial collaboration to support the situation, briefing Ontario Premier Doug Ford and expressing appreciation for the incredibly brave rescue teams working on the case.

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. The mine began development of underground block-cave mining in 2019.

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.

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/canada/major-rescue-underway-as-three-miners-take-refuge-underground-at-red-chris-mine/articleshow/122866977.cms
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/canada/major-rescue-underway-as-three-miners-take-refuge-underground-at-red-chris-mine/articleshow/122866977.cms
[3] https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6843091
[4] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/miners-red-chris-mine-bc-dease-lake-1.7592096