In brief
Rescue operation highlights ongoing threats of illegal mining practices in Colombia.
Eighteen miners who were trapped for approximately 18 hours in a gold mine in northwestern Colombia have been successfully rescued, according to the country's government. The workers became stuck on Thursday at the El Minón mine in the Antioquia region due to a mechanical failure, as reported by AFP news agency.The rescue operation, which lasted 12 hours, concluded shortly after 03:00 local time (09:00 BST) on Friday, with all workers reported to be in good health, as confirmed by Colombia's National Mining Agency (ANM). In a letter addressed to the government, the local mayor of Remedios stated that the mine might be operating without the necessary licenses.Footage of the rescue showed the miners' colleagues erupting in applause as they emerged from the mine shaft. Yarley Erasmo Marin, a representative of a local miners' association, indicated that the incident was triggered by a mechanical failure causing a structure intended to prevent landslides to collapse, obstructing the main exit of the mine.During their ordeal, the trapped miners received oxygen through hoses as they awaited rescue, as reported by local radio station ABC. The ANM issued a statement urging the mining community to steer clear of illegal mining practices, which pose significant risks to the safety and lives of miners and have detrimental effects on the country’s resources and the environment. Mining accidents, unfortunately, are frequent in Colombia, with numerous fatalities recorded in recent years.
