- Imperial Metals (TSX:III) confirmed that three workers who were trapped underground following a fall of ground incident at the Red Chris Mine have been safely rescued
- Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, and Jesse Chubaty — all employees of Hy-Tech Drilling — were brought to the surface after being isolated underground for nearly two days
- The rescue began after a ground fall incident occurred where the three employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone
- Imperial Metals stock (TSX:III) opened trading at C$4.34
An update to a story we brought you on Friday, Imperial Metals (TSX:III) confirmed that three workers who were trapped underground following a fall of ground incident at the Red Chris Mine have been safely rescued. The mine, located in northwest British Columbia and 30 per cent owned by Imperial Metals, is operated by Newmont Corp. (NYSE:NEM).
This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Imperial Metals Corp. and is intended for informational purposes only.
Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, and Jesse Chubaty — all employees of Hy-Tech Drilling — were brought to the surface after being isolated underground for nearly two days. The trio had taken shelter in a designated refuge chamber following the incident.
In a statement expressing gratitude for the safe outcome, the teams gave their relief in sharing that all three individuals are safe, and in good health and spirits. They had consistent access to food, water, and ventilation whilst they remained in place in a refuge chamber underground over the last two days. They are now being supported by medical and wellness teams. Their families have been notified.
A coordinated rescue effort
The rescue operation began immediately after the incident occurred late Thursday evening, where at the time of the initial ground fall, the three employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone. According to Newmont, at approximately 8:30 p.m. PST on July 24, a specialized line-of-sight scoop successfully cleared the debris blocking the access tunnel. Once the area was stabilized, the Emergency Response Team advanced using equipment outfitted with an engineered falling object protective system.
Upon reaching the refuge chamber, the team found the three workers in stable condition. They were then escorted to the surface using the same protected equipment.
The Red Chris Mine is a significant copper-gold operation in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle. The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols, though no further details have been released at this time.
About Imperial Metals
Imperial Metals Corp. owns the Mount Polley mine, the Huckleberry mine, and Huckleberry copper mines and the Red Chris copper / gold mine.
Imperial Metals stock (TSX:III) opened trading at C$4.34 and has risen 133.52 per cent since the year began.
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