The rescue operation highlighted ongoing risks associated with illegal mining operations in Colombia.
Gold Miners Rescued After 18-Hour Ordeal in Colombian Mine
Gold Miners Rescued After 18-Hour Ordeal in Colombian Mine
Eighteen workers trapped underground in Colombia's Antioquia region have been safely rescued following a mechanical failure.
Eighteen gold miners who were trapped underground for approximately 18 hours in a mine in northwestern Colombia have been successfully rescued by emergency crews, according to reports from the government. The incident occurred on Thursday in the El Minón mine, situated in the Antioquia region, when a mechanical failure led to the collapse of a structure intended to prevent landslides, obstructing the main exit of the mine.
The operation to rescue the miners lasted around 12 hours and concluded just after 03:00 local time (09:00 BST) on Friday. Fortunately, all the miners emerged in good health, as confirmed by Colombia's National Mining Agency (ANM). Video footage captured the poignant moment when miners' colleagues cheered and clapped as the trapped workers emerged from the mine shaft, marking a joyous end to their harrowing ordeal.
Local authorities, including the mayor of Remedios, reported that the El Minón mine was likely operating without the necessary licenses. During their time underground, the miners were provided with oxygen through hoses, as local radio station ABC noted. The ANM has issued a statement urging the mining community to avoid engaging in illegal mining activities, which pose serious risks to safety and have detrimental effects on the environment and national resources.
Tragic mining accidents are a frequent occurrence in Colombia, where dozens of fatalities have been recorded in recent years, further emphasizing the dangers associated with mining operations in the country.
The operation to rescue the miners lasted around 12 hours and concluded just after 03:00 local time (09:00 BST) on Friday. Fortunately, all the miners emerged in good health, as confirmed by Colombia's National Mining Agency (ANM). Video footage captured the poignant moment when miners' colleagues cheered and clapped as the trapped workers emerged from the mine shaft, marking a joyous end to their harrowing ordeal.
Local authorities, including the mayor of Remedios, reported that the El Minón mine was likely operating without the necessary licenses. During their time underground, the miners were provided with oxygen through hoses, as local radio station ABC noted. The ANM has issued a statement urging the mining community to avoid engaging in illegal mining activities, which pose serious risks to safety and have detrimental effects on the environment and national resources.
Tragic mining accidents are a frequent occurrence in Colombia, where dozens of fatalities have been recorded in recent years, further emphasizing the dangers associated with mining operations in the country.
