Three workers trapped underground for more than 60 hours at Newmont’s (TSX: NGT) Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia were safely rescued late Thursday, the company has confirmed. The trio, identified as Kevin Coumbs of Ontario, Darien Maduke of British Columbia, and Jesse Chubaty of Manitoba, emerged from the mine at 10:40 p.m. PT and were reported to be in good health and spirits.
The workers, contractors with Hy-Tech Drilling, had been confined since Tuesday morning following two rockfalls that cut off their exit and, after the second incident, severed communications with the surface. The men took shelter in a designated underground refuge chamber equipped with food, water, and ventilation, enabling them to withstand the extended ordeal while crews mobilized a complex rescue operation.
Newmont said the rescue involved clearing a substantial debris pile—some 20 to 30 meters long and up to eight meters high—blocking the tunnel. A remote-controlled scoop, supported by specialized drones for geotechnical assessment, was used to safely remove the rock and restore access. The company confirmed natural airflow was being made to the refuge, and rescue teams carefully mapped a path to reach the workers.
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All mining activity at the Red Chris site, located near Dease Lake, was suspended during the operation.
Newmont executives pledged a thorough and independent investigation into the incident and said findings would be shared with regulators, the mining sector, and the public. British Columbia’s Ministry of Mines has also launched its own probe and will release results.
A more detailed briefing from mine officials is expected Friday morning.
Separately, Imperial Metals, a 30% owner of the mine, reported last night that the Red Chris Mine saw production of 23.479 million pounds of copper and 22,624 ounces of gold in the second quarter of 2025, with copper production improving 13% and gold production improving 81% on a year over year basis.
Newmont last traded at $89.91 on the TSX.
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