Three workers trapped in B.C.’s Red Chris mine have air, food, water, operator says

By Canadian Press on July 23, 2025.

VANCOUVER — The majority owner of the Red Chris mine in northwestern British Columbia says three workers trapped underground in a refuge area have enough air, water and food for an “extended stay.”

The statement from Newmont Corp. says it is working to assemble specialist teams from nearby mine sites to respond to the accident, which was announced by B.C. Premier David Eby.

Newmont says the workers are trapped in a refuge area with restricted communications after two “fall of ground” incidents blocked access.

It says the miners were working more than 500 metres beyond the area affected by the first fall and had relocated to the refuge station before the second collapse blocked their escape.

The statement says contact was established with the workers after the first incident, and they confirmed they had safely relocated to the station, with food, water and ventilation.

However, it says the second collapse of rock or soil has “restricted” communication with the workers.

Eby released news of the accident at the end of the premiers’ gathering in Ontario, telling media that to the best of his knowledge, the workers are uninjured.

He said two of the workers are from B.C. and another is from Ontario.

B.C. Mining Minister Jagrup Brar issued a statement saying his ministry had dispatched a geotechnical inspector of mines to the site to work with Newmont and support rescue efforts.

The Transportation Ministry expedited a permit to allow heavy equipment to be moved from the nearby Brucejack mine to Red Chris to assist, he added.

“I’m heartened to see the immediate support that’s been provided from others across the mining industry, in the form of supplies, equipment and expertise to assist with this situation,” he said.

“Mining operators in B.C. — including Newmont — have highly trained mine rescue teams at the ready to respond in emergency situations.”

Nolan Paquette, a business agent for United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, said the trapped workers are contractors.

They are trapped on the opposite side of the collapse, but they are safely in the refuge station underground, he said in an interview.

Eby said the province was in contact with the mine’s owner, which was working with world-leading mining rescue experts.

The Red Chris copper and gold mine is jointly owned by Newmont, which has a 70 per cent interest in the project, and Imperial Metals Corp.

The mine is mostly an open-pit operation, but Newmont said in an earlier statement that development of underground block-cave mining began in 2019, four years after its first production date.

The Canadian Mining Journal has said block caving can extend the life of an open pit operation, and the underground mass mining method allows for bulk extraction of lower-grade ore deposits.

Eby said B.C. mines are the “best in the world,” with “exceptional” rescue teams.

“They will be working overtime to bring these workers home safely to their families.”

The premier said he had spoken to Ontario Premier Doug Ford about the situation and was keeping his government up to date.

“Obviously it’s very concerning for the families, for the workers in the sector and British Columbians and Canadians and our thoughts are with the families and appreciation with the incredibly brave rescue teams that are working right now.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.

Brenna Owen and Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press