Teams free 18 Colombian miners trapped in disaster

Colombian Gold Mine Rescue Brings 18 Workers to Safety

On Friday, emergency teams rescued 18 workers trapped at the ‘El Minon’ mine in Remedios, northwest Colombia. The National Mining Agency announced that the workers emerged healthy after an 18‑hour emergency operation.

Event Overview

• Workers sat underground for ~18 hours due to an equipment failure.
• They escaped one by one wearing blue jumpsuits and yellow helmets.
• Above ground, colleagues greeted them with cheers, hugs, and energy drinks.
• The mining agency confirmed all workers were in good health.

Root Cause of Trapped Workers

Yarley Erasmo Marin, a local miners’ association representative, told AFP that a mechanical failure caused a collapse. The collapse blocked the mine’s main exit by destroying a structure that had been designed to prevent landslides.

Mine Licensing Question

The mayor of Remedios said the mine was apparently unlicensed. The mine’s location in the town of Remedios in the Antioquia department raises legal concerns about the operation’s compliance with Colombian mining regulations.

Broader Mining Context

• The Remedios area has a strong mining tradition, especially in gold extraction.
• Gold extracted in the region has, at times, financed armed groups such as the Gulf Clan.
• The Gulf Clan is a cartel also involved in cocaine trafficking.
• Coal mine accidents are also common in Colombia, particularly in the central region where dozens of lives are claimed each year.

Final Observation

Images from the National Mining Agency showed rescuers with flashlights during their search efforts. The rescue operation has highlighted the importance of safety measures and legal compliance in Colombia’s mining sector.