Miners Rescued After Eighteen Hours in Colombian Gold Mine

The local government reported that all miners are safe after a swift rescue from an unlicensed mine in Antioquia, but officials warn about the risks of illegal mining in the region.

Eighteen miners trapped for approximately eighteen hours in a gold mine in northwestern Colombia have been successfully rescued, stated the country's government. The miners were stuck in the El Minón mine, located in the Antioquia region, due to equipment failure reported on Thursday, according to the AFP news agency.

Emergency crews completed a lengthy twelve-hour rescue operation, and all workers were confirmed to be in good health by Colombia's National Mining Agency (ANM). The rescue concluded just after 03:00 local time (09:00 BST) on Friday morning. Residents and colleagues of the miners celebrated their return, as video footage depicted scenes of joy with cheers and applause as they emerged from the mine shaft.

Local miners' association representative, Yarley Erasmo Marin, explained that a mechanical failure led to the collapse of a structure intended to prevent landslides, thus blocking the mine's main exit. During their entrapment, trapped miners were given oxygen through hoses while awaiting rescue, as reported by local radio station ABC.

The ANM emphasized the need for the mining community to steer clear of illegal mining practices, warning of the dangers these pose to lives and the broader impacts on Colombia's natural resources and environment. Accidents in mines are unfortunately common throughout Colombia, with numerous fatalities documented in recent years, highlighting an ongoing challenge for authorities in managing mining safety standards.