Update as of July 25th
Emergency Response at Red Chris Mine
At approximately 10:40pm PST, Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke and Jesse Chubaty, three Hy-Tech Drilling workers at the Red Chris Mine project, were safely brought to surface following a fall of ground incident.
We are relieved to share 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.
This was a carefully planned and meticulously executed rescue plan. We are deeply grateful for the support from our industry partners, and proud of the culture of teamwork demonstrated from our team members at both our Red Chris and Brucejack operations in British Columbia as well as across our wider global business. Kevin, Darien and Jesse demonstrated the utmost dedication to our safety procedures, adhering to protocols for more than 60 hours underground. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and will share the lessons learned transparently across the industry.
Background on Rescue Effort
At 8:30pm PST on Thursday, July 24, following around-the-clock efforts, our specialized line-of-sight scoop successfully cleared the fallen debris from the access tunnel. With the area stabilized, the Emergency Response Team advanced across the impacted zone using equipment with an engineered Falling Object Protective System.
Upon reaching the refuge chamber, the team found Kevin, Darien, and Jesse in stable condition. Together with the Emergency Response Team, they returned to surface using the same protected equipment.
This outcome is the result of tireless collaboration, technical expertise, and above all, safety and care. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the rescue teams and all those involved, and to Kevin, Darien, and Jesse as they recover from this experience.
Update as of July 24th
- In coordination with industry partners, Newmont has deployed specialized drones to assess the geotechnical conditions underground.
- The debris blocking access to the underground area is estimated to be approximately 20 to 30 meters long and 7 to 8 meters high. The area of the refuge chambers is not in the same area as the fall of ground and is understood to be stable and well-ventilated.
- We have commenced the use of a remote-controlled scoop, that was transported from our Brucejack site, to begin removing debris and restore access beyond the incident site.
- Teams are restoring the specialized communication system (leaky feeder system) in attempts to re-establish communication with the workers.
- The workers are understood to be sheltering in a MineARC refuge chamber designed to support 16 people. Additional refuge chambers are also available nearby and accessible if required.
- Production at Red Chris has been paused to allow full focus on rescue efforts and re-establishing communication.
Media Statement - July 23rd
On the morning of July 22, two fall of ground incidents occurred in the access way to the underground work area of a non-producing project at the Red Chris Mine in British Columbia, Canada.
At the time of the initial incident, three business partner employees were working more than 500 meters beyond the affected zone and were asked to relocate to a designated refuge station before a subsequent fall of ground blocked the access way. Following the first event, contact was established with the individuals and confirmation was received that they had safely relocated to one of multiple self contained refuge bays. The refuge stations are equipped with adequate food, water and ventilation to support an extended stay.
The second fall of ground event subsequently restricted communication. To ensure focus on the response efforts, a standdown of operations at Red Chris has been implemented. With the support of industry, we are working to assemble specialist teams from nearby mine sites to respond to the situation.
All appropriate emergency response protocols were activated immediately. Newmont is actively assessing all methods and technologies available to restore communication and safely bring our team members to surface. Our priority remains on ensuring the safety of the three individuals and of the emergency response teams supporting this effort.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Media Contact – Global
Shannon Brushe
globalcommunications@newmont.com
Investor Contact – Global
Neil Backhouse
investor.relations@newmont.com
Source: Newmont Corporation