A gold mine in northwest Colombia collapsed Thursday, leaving at least 18 miners trapped underground in what authorities described as a “serious accident.”
The country’s Ministry of Mines and Energy confirmed the incident, noting that the miners are “presumed alive” but did not disclose the exact cause of the collapse. Rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency protocols fully activated.
“We are doing everything possible to find and rescue them,” said Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, in a post on social media. “All emergency response units have been mobilized to the site.”
According to Yarley Erasmo Marin, a spokesperson for a local mining association, the incident occurred due to a mechanical failure that led to the collapse of a protective structure meant to prevent landslides. “The entrance was completely blocked. They are inside with no way out,” Marin explained.
The mayor of Remedios, the municipality where the mine is located, stated in a message to the national government that preliminary information suggests the site may have been operating without legal authorization. “It appears this was an illegal mining operation,” the mayor wrote.
Photographs shared by the National Mining Agency showed rescue teams using flashlights and navigating narrow underground passages as the search continues. The atmosphere at the site remains tense as families of the trapped miners await news.
The area in Antioquia, where the collapse occurred, is well known for its long-standing gold mining activity. However, illegal operations remain a concern, with some reportedly linked to armed groups and organized crime.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the miners or how long they may be able to survive underground. As the rescue mission continues, officials stress the urgency of reaching the workers before conditions worsen.
