23 Miners Rescued After 43 Hours Trapped in Collapsed Colombian Gold Mine
In a dramatic rescue operation, twenty-three workers were successfully extracted from the La Reliquia gold mine in northern Colombia on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, after being trapped for 43 hours. The miners were located in the Antioquia department, and had been trapped since Monday due to a mine collapse attributed to a "geomechanical failure," according to Colombia's National Mining Agency (ANM).
The Rescue Operation
The miners were met with applause and cheers as they emerged from the mine shaft, visibly exhausted but safe. Video footage released by the ANM showed the rescued workers using a rope to climb the steep entrance to the shaft. While their immediate health condition was not disclosed, their families, who had maintained a vigil for hours, celebrated the rescue with tears of joy.
During the rescue efforts, Aris Mining Corp., a Canadian company that owns the land where the mine is located (though it is operated by a local cooperative), provided the trapped workers with food, water, and ventilation. Communication was maintained with the miners through a wired phone system, providing essential information for planning a safe extraction.
Context: Mining in Colombia
The La Reliquia mine employs approximately 60 people and contributes a “small portion” to Aris Mining Corp.’s overall gold production in the region. Aris runs two mining concessions in Colombia, which produced about 6.6 tons of gold last year. Colombia’s overall gold production has climbed to 67 tons per year in 2024, supported by high prices for the precious metal.
Mining Safety and Regulation Concerns
The successful rescue operation stands in stark contrast to another recent tragedy. On Saturday, the bodies of seven miners were found at an illegal mine in Cauca province. A 2023 report published by Colombia’s Human Rights Ombudsman stated that more than 80% of Colombia’s gold is mined by informal operators without licenses, including artisanal miners and members of rebel groups. This highlights ongoing concerns regarding mine safety and oversight in the country.
The precarious conditions at some gold mines in Colombia have led to fatal accidents, underscoring the importance of regulation, preparedness, and rapid emergency response. The Colombian government faces renewed calls for action to crack down on illegal mining and to support safer, more sustainable practices in the legal sector.
