Eighteen Miners Rescued After 18-Hour Ordeal in Colombian Gold Mine

Eighteen gold miners trapped for 18 hours in a northwestern Colombian mine have been safely rescued, following a government-led emergency operation after a mechanical failure caused the incident. Local authorities are now addressing the issue of unlicensed mining operations.

Eighteen gold miners have been successfully rescued after spending around 18 hours trapped underground in the El Minón mine, located in the Antioquia region of northwestern Colombia. The incident occurred on Thursday when equipment malfunctions blocked the main exit of the mine, prompting immediate action from emergency crews.

The rescue operation, which lasted approximately 12 hours, concluded early Friday morning at around 03:00 local time (09:00 BST). According to Colombia's National Mining Agency (ANM), all miners were found to be in good health upon their emergence from the mine.

In a letter addressing the situation, the local mayor of Remedios informed the government that the mine appeared to be operating without the necessary licenses, raising concerns about the safety and legality of mining operations in the area. Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the emotional moment when the miners emerged, as their fellow colleagues clapped and cheered in relief.

Yarley Erasmo Marin, representing a local miners' association, revealed that a mechanical failure led to the collapse of a structure meant to guard against landslides, resulting in the blockage. While waiting for rescue, the miners received supplemental oxygen through hoses provided by the emergency teams.

The ANM reiterated the pressing need for the mining community to cease illegal mining activities, which pose significant risks to lives while also damaging the environment and national resources. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the recurrent dangers tied to underground mining in Colombia, where accidents have claimed numerous lives in recent years.