Drone technology and remote equipment are utilized by Newmont Corporation to reach miners who are trapped in the Red Chris Mine.
The Red Chris gold and copper mine in British Columbia, Canada, is currently the focus of a rescue operation after three workers were trapped underground following two fall of ground incidents on July 22, 2025.
The mine, operated by Newmont under a 70/30 joint venture with Imperial Metals, has seen its operations fully suspended to prioritize the rescue efforts. The workers are currently in a designated refuge station, equipped with air, food, water, and ventilation for an extended stay. Communication with the workers was initially established but was lost after the second collapse blocked access.
Rescue efforts involve specialist teams mobilized from nearby mine sites, working alongside provincial rescue teams. Newmont is actively exploring all technological options to restore communication with and safely extract the trapped workers. The British Columbia Premier and provincial emergency services are supporting the efforts, emphasizing worker safety as the highest priority.
The mine, located 80 kilometers south of Dease Lake and more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver, has been producing since 2015. 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 during work on a non-producing section of the mine's underground development project. Newmont is using aerial drones to assess underground conditions at the Red Chris mine. To reduce risk to emergency personnel while the area remains geotechnically unstable, the company has deployed a remote-controlled scoop from its Brucejack mine to clear debris.
All available technology and expertise are being brought to bear in the rescue efforts at the Red Chris mine. As of early August 2025, the three workers are safe but still underground due to blocked access, with rescue operations ongoing and no definitive timeline for extraction. The community, industry, and government are united in their support for the trapped workers and the rescue teams working tirelessly to bring them to safety.
[1] Newmont Corporation Press Release, "Update on Red Chris Mine Incident," July 26, 2025. [2] CBC News, "Three workers trapped underground at Red Chris mine in BC," July 23, 2025. [3] Globe and Mail, "Rescue efforts continue at Red Chris mine in BC," July 24, 2025. [4] Imperial Metals Corporation Press Release, "Statement on Red Chris Mine Incident," July 23, 2025.
Considering the recent incident at the Red Chris mine, some workers might be looking for alternative investment options, such as gold investing, while they wait for the rescue efforts. On the other hand, with the rescue efforts taking center stage, sports events or participating in any physical activities might provide a welcome distraction for those closely following the unfolding events.
