Rescue operations have concluded successfully at the La Reliquia gold mine in Segovia, Antioquia, Colombia, where 23 miners were trapped underground after a collapse on Monday.
The miners were rescued after spending 43 hours beneath the earth, emerging one by one from the shaft 80 meters underground to cheers from colleagues above ground.
The rescue operation was conducted by the company’s emergency brigade with support from Colombia’s National Mining Agency. According to Catalina Escobar, spokesperson for the Antioquia department, “Contact has already been made with the miners, who indicated that they are safe and sound.” The miners received food, water, and oxygen throughout the rescue operation and were able to communicate with families and rescuers using a wired phone.
The mine’s ventilation system continued to function normally, and rescuers managed to remove nearly half of the debris blocking the mine’s exit. Aris Mining CEO Neil Woodyer praised the coordinated response, saying, “The safety of our people is always our highest priority. We commend the Aris Mining rescue team for their professionalism and swift, precise response.”
The collapse occurred due to a geomechanical failure, sealing the mine’s main entrance. However, the rescue team worked tirelessly to bring the miners to safety. The successful rescue brings relief to the families and colleagues of the trapped miners.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Colombia’s gold mining industry, where many operations are informal and dangerous. Over 80% of gold mined in Colombia comes from unlicensed operations, leading to hazardous conditions and deadly incidents. Just days before this rescue, seven miners were found dead in an illegal gold mine in southwest Colombia.
The La Reliquia mine is operated by a local cooperative on behalf of Canada’s Aris Mining Corporation. The company has pledged to provide regular updates and prioritize the safety of its workers. As the miners emerge safely, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by miners in Colombia and the need for enhanced safety measures.
