At least 25 miners were trapped underground on Monday night after a gold mine collapsed in northwestern Colombia, sparking a massive rescue operation.
Authorities confirmed that the miners were located about 80 meters (262 feet) below the surface.
Catalina Escobar, spokesperson for the Antioquia department, where the incident occurred, said rescuers had managed to establish contact with the trapped workers.
“Contact has already been made with the miners, who indicated that they are safe and sound,” Escobar told AFP.
The collapse happened in the mining town of Segovia, a region with a long history of both legal and illegal gold mining.
Unlike many previous mining accidents in Colombia that occurred in unlicensed operations, this mine is managed by Canada’s Aris Mining Corporation, which runs several large-scale gold projects in the country.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by miners in Colombia, one of South America’s top gold producers.
Mining accidents remain common, particularly in coal and unregulated mines where safety standards are poorly enforced.
According to Colombia’s national mining agency, 124 people died in mining-related accidents across the country in 2024 alone.
Emergency services and specialized rescue teams are working around the clock to reinforce the collapsed shafts and ensure oxygen supplies reach the trapped workers.
Families of the miners have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting updates as the rescue effort continues.
Local officials emphasized that the rescue mission remains delicate due to the unstable conditions underground. “Our priority is the safety of the workers.
While they are stable and in contact, the structural risks inside the mine mean every step must be carefully coordinated,” Escobar added.
Aris Mining has not released an official statement but is reportedly cooperating with local authorities and rescue teams.
The company, which operates both the Segovia and Marmato gold mines in Colombia, has previously touted its commitment to high safety and environmental standards.
Mining communities in Antioquia have long expressed concerns about safety and environmental impacts tied to the industry.
While gold mining provides thousands of jobs in the region, the recurring accidents continue to cast a shadow over the sector.
For Colombia, the collapse serves as a reminder of the urgent need to improve safety oversight in both legal and informal mines.
International watchdogs and labor rights groups have repeatedly urged stricter enforcement of mining regulations to protect workers’ lives.
As of Tuesday morning, the miners remain underground but in stable condition. Rescuers hope to bring them out safely in the coming hours or days, depending on how quickly the debris can be cleared.
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