A rescue effort has been launched for three workers who have been trapped underground in the Red Chris mine in northwest B.C. since Tuesday morning.
B.C. Premier David Eby said the mine’s owner, U.S.-based Newmont Corporation, is working with the province’s “world-leading mining rescue teams” to ensure the safe extraction of the employees.
“They are, to the best of our knowledge, uninjured and in a refuge area,” Eby said Wednesday, from the first ministers’ meeting in Ontario.
“Our rescue teams are exceptional and they will be working overtime to bring these miners home safely to their families.”
The workers haven’t been publicly identified, but the premier said two are from B.C. and one is from Ontario.
“Obviously it’s very concerning for the families, for the workers in the sector, and all British Columbians and Canadians,” he said.
In a statement, a Newmont spokesperson said the miners became trapped following a “fall of ground incident” that happened in the access way to an underground work area at the Red Chris site.
“Three business partner employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone, and were asked to relocate to a designated refuge station,” the spokesperson said, in an email.
While the workers were initially able to contact the company, a second ground fall incident cut off communications.
It’s unclear how long it could take to rescue the miners. Newmont said the refuge stations are stocked with enough food, water and ventilation to “support an extended stay.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.