Rescuers Race To Save 25 Trapped In Colombia Gold Mine Collapse

A gold mine collapse in Segovia, Colombia, trapped 25 workers approximately 80 meters underground, with rescuers establishing contact to confirm they are safe and receiving medical assistance. The mine is operated by Canada's Aris Mining Corporation through its local subsidiary La Reliquia, which has ensured the trapped miners have food, water, and compressed air while ventilation systems remain functional. Rescue teams, including the company’s emergency brigade and Colombia’s National Mining Agency, are actively working to clear debris and expect to complete the rescue during the day. Mining accidents are frequent in Colombia, predominantly in unlicensed or coal mines, with 124 fatalities reported in 2023, but this incident is notable for occurring in a licensed major mining operation. The situation remains critical as authorities race against time to safely extract the miners. Previous accidents in illegal mines underline the ongoing risks in the region’s mining sector, which is also affected by guerrilla activity and drug trafficking.