Three Hy-Tech Drilling workers were safely rescued on July 24, after being trapped underground for more than 60 hours at Newmont’s Red Chris copper-gold mine in northern British Columbia. The workers—Kevin Coumbs, a driller from Ontario; Jesse Chubaty, a driller from Manitoba; and Darien Maduke, a driller’s helper from B.C.—were caught underground following two fall-of-ground incidents on July 22. 

“We are relieved to share that all three individuals are safe, and in good health and spirits,” Newmont said in a July 25 statement. “This was a carefully planned and meticulously executed rescue plan. Kevin, Darien and Jesse demonstrated the utmost dedication to our safety procedures, adhering to protocols for more than 60 hours underground.” 

Newmont’s rescue operation team used specialized drones to assess the underground geotechnical conditions and a remote-controlled scoop to clear a massive rockfall, estimated at 20 to 30 metres long and seven to eight metres high. 

Production at the site halted on July 23 to allow full focus on rescue efforts and to restore communication with the trapped workers.  

At the start of the incident, the trapped workers were more than 500 metres below the affected zone and were able to move to a designated refuge station before a subsequent fall-of-ground collapse blocked the access route. The self-contained refuge bay was equipped with adequate food, water and ventilation to support their extended stay. 

Newmont said that it would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and share the lessons learned with the industry.