BURST
An accident has trapped three miners underground in a northern B.C. mine.
According to Premier David Eby, the three miners were working in B.C.’s Red Chris copper and gold mine when the accident took place.
Eby shared the news during closing remarks at the premier’s gathering in Huntsville, Ont.
“We’re facing a bit of a situation in British Columbia right now,” he began.
At this time, the workers — two of which are from B.C. and one from Ontario — are believed to be uninjured and in a refuge area following the accident which took place Tuesday.
“The company is co-ordinating with the top mining rescue teams, including B.C.’s renowned experts, to ensure their safe return.
“The incident is deeply concerning for the miners’ families, the mining community and all Canadians.”
Eby is currently in Ontario for the summer meeting of Canada’s premiers. The summit ends on Wednesday.
Newmont Corporation holds a 70 per cent interest in and operates the Red Chris mine. The gold and copper mine is located in B.C.’s Stikine region and began operations in 2015. It is one of two Canadian operations held by Newmont.
Postmedia reached out to Newmont for comment. The company later issued a statement that confirmed two “fall of ground incidents occurred in the access way to the underground work area of a non-producing project at the Red Chris mine.”
“At the time of the initial incident, three business partner employees were working more than 500 meters beyond the affected zone and were asked to relocate to a designated refuge station before a subsequent fall of ground blocked the access way,” the statement read.
The statement went on to say contact had been established and that the three miners were safely located in a refuge station where there is adequate food, water and ventilation for the trio until rescued.
The second incident cut off communication and operations at the mine was suspended to allow for rescue efforts.
“All appropriate emergency response protocols were activated immediately. Newmont is actively assessing all methods and technologies available to restore communication and safely bring our team members to surface,” the statement read.
“Our priority remains on ensuring the safety of the three individuals and of the emergency response teams supporting this effort.”
More to come.
With files from Canadian Press.