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10mo ago

Seven Miners Trapped After Collapse at Illegal Gold Tunnel in Colombia’s Cauca

Rescuers are widening the shaft with heavy machinery under coordination from all levels of government.

Miners look at the rescue operations after a gold mine collapsed in San Antonio, rural area of Santander de Quilichao, department of Cauca, Colombia, on May 1, 2014. At least three people were killed and up to 30 more are feared dead after the collapse of an illegal gold mine in western Colombia, rescue officials said on Thursday. AFP PHOTO/Luis Robayo colombia cauca colombia colapso en una mina ilegal de oro mineria ilegal minas ilegales muerte mineros
Colombia: siete mineros atrapados tras el derrumbe en una mina ilegal de oro. AP
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Overview

  • The collapse was reported late Thursday night in Vereda San Antonio, Santander de Quilichao, where an unregulated gold tunnel gave way.
  • The National Mining Agency said seven workers remain underground as teams use backhoes to enlarge the entrance toward an estimated 20-meter depth.
  • The Procuraduría Provincial met on-site with the mayor’s office and the national risk management unit to verify hazards and direct the response.
  • Families are gathered near the cordoned area awaiting news, and officials have not released any update on the miners’ identities or condition.
  • Authorities and local reports underscore widespread illegal mining in Colombia, with activity in 29 of 34 departments and about 94,000 hectares damaged, including mercury-tainted waters in some areas.