Background and Context
Colombia has a history of mining accidents, particularly in coal mines and illegal or artisanal mines. The recent rescue of 23 miners from a gold mine collapse highlights the ongoing challenges in this sector.
The Rescue Operation
On Wednesday, after two days of uninterrupted rescue efforts at the La Reliquia mine in Segovia, Antioquia, the 23 trapped miners were successfully brought to safety.
The miners, who had been trapped 80 meters underground, were lifted one by one using a rope, with encouraging words from their colleagues and rescuers echoing above. They emerged to the cheers of their families and colleagues, visibly relieved after their ordeal.
Throughout their time underground, the miners received food, water, and oxygen, maintaining communication with their families and rescuers via a fixed-line phone inside the mine.
Mine Details and Company Involved
La Reliquia mine, located approximately four hours from Colombia’s second-largest city, Medellín, is operated by a local company on behalf of Canadian multinational Aris Mining Corporation, which holds the exploitation title.
The mine suffered a collapse on Monday, trapping the workers about 15 meters from their working area.
Frequency of Mining Accidents in Colombia
Mining accidents are common and often fatal in Colombia, particularly in coal mines and illegal or artisanal operations.
Just two months prior, 18 miners were trapped in a gold mine near Segovia. They were successfully rescued after 24 hours.
Sadly, on Sunday, seven miners lost their lives in an illegal gold mine accident in southwestern Colombia, a region where guerrilla groups engage in gold extraction and cocaine trafficking.
Accidents are less frequent in concessions operated by multinational corporations.
Colombia’s Mining Sector
The mining and hydrocarbons sector accounts for half of Colombia’s legal exports, despite the left-wing government’s environmental policies, including the cessation of new mine exploitation under President Gustavo Petro.
In 2023, 124 people died in mining accidents. From January to July 2025, 60 fatalities have been reported, according to the National Mining Agency (ANM).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the miners? The 23 miners rescued were workers trapped in a gold mine collapse in Colombia.
- What company operates the mine? The La Reliquia mine is operated by a local company on behalf of Canadian multinational Aris Mining Corporation.
- How were the miners rescued? After two days of continuous rescue efforts, the miners were lifted to safety one by one using a rope.
- Why are mining accidents common in Colombia? These incidents are frequent, especially in coal mines and illegal or artisanal operations.
- What is the significance of the mining sector in Colombia? The mining and hydrocarbons sector represents half of Colombia’s legal exports, despite environmental policies aimed at reducing mining activities.
