Drones and remote machinery deployed by Newmont help in rescuing miners trapped within the Red Chris Mine.
The Red Chris mine, a joint venture between Newmont Corporation and Imperial Metals Corp, is currently the focus of a rescue operation in British Columbia, Canada. On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, two separate ground-fall incidents occurred at the mine, located approximately 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake and more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver [1][3].
Three workers, Darien Maduke from British Columbia, Jesse Chubaty from Manitoba, and Kevin Coumbs from Ontario, are trapped underground following the collapses [4]. The employees were initially more than 500 meters beyond the site of the first collapse and were directed to relocate to a designated refuge chamber before a second fall of ground sealed off the access way and disrupted communication [1].
The trapped miners have taken shelter in a MineARC steel refuge chamber, stocked with food, water, and ventilation supplies, designed to support life in such emergencies [1][3]. Although direct contact has not been made since communication lines were severed by the second collapse, the area they are sheltered in is considered stable and well-ventilated with accessible additional refuge chambers nearby [3][4].
Debris blocking access is estimated to be about 20-30 meters long and 7-8 meters high, but there is enough space above the pile to allow drone entry for assessment [3][4]. Newmont has deployed specialized drones to perform geotechnical assessments of the collapsed underground sections remotely [2][3]. A remote-controlled scoop from the nearby Brucejack mine is being used to clear rock and debris obstructing the tunnel [2][3].
Operations at the Red Chris mine have been suspended during the rescue to focus on safety and recovery [3]. Newmont and Imperial Metals have assembled specialist rescue teams from nearby mines to assist, with the British Columbia provincial rescue teams actively involved and working overtime to ensure worker safety [1]. Coordination has been strong between Newmont, Imperial Metals, and provincial authorities, reflecting robust crisis management and operational resilience [2].
Last year, Red Chris produced approximately 40,000 ounces of gold, making it one of the smaller contributors in Newmont's global portfolio. The incident occurred in a non-producing development zone of the Red Chris mine [1]. The use of unmanned equipment is intended to reduce risk to emergency personnel while the area remains geotechnically unstable.
Newmont acquired its majority stake in the Red Chris mine through its 2023 purchase of Newcrest Mining, which previously managed the asset [1]. All available technology and expertise are being brought to bear for the rescue efforts at the Red Chris mine. The incident is not expected to have a significant impact on Newmont's overall production.
Progress continues toward clearing debris and restoring communication to facilitate the safe extraction of the trapped workers. The rescue effort at Red Chris mine combines advanced remote technology, specialized equipment, and coordinated multi-agency teams, with the trapped workers sheltered safely in engineered refuge chambers.
- In the face of the crisis at the Red Chris mine, the mining sector is collaborating closely with the aerospace industry to deploy specialized drones for geotechnical assessments, aiming to minimize risk for emergency personnel in the gold investing industry.
- Beyond gold investing, the technology sector is playing a crucial role in the rescue effort, with MineARC refuge chambers providing essential supplies for trapped miners, designed to support life in emergencies such as this.
- As the finance industry assesses the potential impact of the incident on Newmont's overall production, the company remains focused on the safe extraction of the trapped workers, exemplifying operational resilience and robust crisis management in the industry.
