A serious mining accident has occurred at the Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia, leaving three contractors trapped underground. The incident has sparked a major rescue effort, with emergency response teams working to restore communication and safely bring the miners to the surface.
The mine, located near Dease Lake, is about 420 kilometers west of Fort Nelson. According to B.C. Premier David Eby, the incident happened on Tuesday morning, and the three miners, two from B.C. and one from Ontario, are currently trapped in a refuge area. Eby stated that the miners are believed to be uninjured.
The mine’s operating company, Newmont Corp., confirmed that two falls of ground incidents occurred in the access way to an underground work area, blocking the miners’ path. The company said the miners had relocated to a designated refuge station with adequate food, water, and ventilation.
Newmont is working with emergency response teams to restore communication and safely bring the miners to the surface. Premier Eby praised B.C.’s world-leading mining rescue teams, saying they will work overtime to bring the workers home safely.
The United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, which represents about 450 Red Chris workers, said the trapped workers are contractors boring a hole for future block-cave operations. The union’s vice-president, Nolan Paquette, described the incident as a “fall of ground” and noted that the refuge stations likely have supplies for at least one week.
Shawn Rideout, chief mine rescue officer at Workplace Safety North, expressed confidence in the rescue mission and hopes for the best for the workers and their families.
In conclusion, the situation at the Red Chris mine is being closely monitored, and efforts are underway to rescue the trapped miners. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by mining workers, and the importance of prioritizing safety in the industry. Our thoughts are with the trapped miners and their families as they await news of their safe rescue.
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