Latest news with #ImperialMetals
The Market Online
4 days ago
- Business
- The Market Online
All three workers safely rescued after incident at B.C.'s Red Chris Mine
Imperial Metals (TSX:III) confirmed that three workers who were trapped underground following a fall of ground incident at the Red Chris Mine have been safely rescued Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, and Jesse Chubaty — all employees of Hy-Tech Drilling — were brought to the surface after being isolated underground for nearly two days The rescue began after a ground fall incident occurred where the three employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone Imperial Metals stock (TSX:III) opened trading at C$4.34 An update to a story we brought you on Friday, Imperial Metals (TSX:III) confirmed that three workers who were trapped underground following a fall of ground incident at the Red Chris Mine have been safely rescued. The mine, located in northwest British Columbia and 30 per cent owned by Imperial Metals, is operated by Newmont Corp. (NYSE:NEM). This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Imperial Metals Corp. and is intended for informational purposes only. Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, and Jesse Chubaty — all employees of Hy-Tech Drilling — were brought to the surface after being isolated underground for nearly two days. The trio had taken shelter in a designated refuge chamber following the incident. In a statement expressing gratitude for the safe outcome, the teams gave their relief in sharing 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. A coordinated rescue effort The rescue operation began immediately after the incident occurred late Thursday evening, where at the time of the initial ground fall, the three employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone. According to Newmont, at approximately 8:30 p.m. PST on July 24, a specialized line-of-sight scoop successfully cleared the debris blocking the access tunnel. Once the area was stabilized, the Emergency Response Team advanced using equipment outfitted with an engineered falling object protective system. Upon reaching the refuge chamber, the team found the three workers in stable condition. They were then escorted to the surface using the same protected equipment. The Red Chris Mine is a significant copper-gold operation in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols, though no further details have been released at this time. Imperial Metals Corp. owns the Mount Polley mine, the Huckleberry mine, and Huckleberry copper mines and the Red Chris copper / gold mine. Imperial Metals stock (TSX:III) opened trading at C$4.34 and has risen 133.52 per cent since the year began. Join the discussion: Find out what the Bullboards are saying about Imperial Metals and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
Reuters
7 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Three workers rescued after being trapped at Newmont's Red Chris mine in Canada
July 25 (Reuters) - Three contract workers at Newmont's Red Chris copper and gold mine in British Columbia were rescued after being trapped underground for 60 hours, the company said on Friday. Some operations at the mine have resumed but the underground mine remains suspended, Bernard Wessels, global group head for health, safety and security at Newmont, said at a news conference. Wessels said Newmont will reopen the underground mine after a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The three miners from Hy-Tech Drilling: Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, Jesse Chubaty were trapped after two "fall of ground" incidents at the mine's accessway. Fall of ground refers to the walls and floors of a mine collapsing, a major safety risk for the industry. The miners lost communication for two days and were sheltering in a designated sheltering area of the mine, known as "Refuge Bay." "They were in good spirits, walked to the vehicle on their own, and were relieved to be out," Wessels said. The three miners followed safety protocol and stayed exactly where they were supposed to stay, he added. Newmont has a 70% stake in the mine, with the remaining 30% held by Imperial Metals Corp ( opens new tab. Wessels said Newmont was doing a thorough check of the psychological state of the miners. Newmont said that it does monthly investigations on its operations, and this incident caught the company by surprise. The Red Chris mine was acquired by Newmont as part of its larger acquisition of Australian miner Newcrest in 2023. There are two mines at Red Chris, one is an open pit mine and the other is underground.
The Market Online
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Three workers trapped in B.C.'s Red Chris mine, rescue efforts underway
Imperial Metals (TSX:III) reported two fall of ground incidents that occurred on July 22 at the Red Chris copper-gold mine in British Columbia At the time of the initial ground fall, three contractor employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone The second incident restricted communication with the workers, prompting a full operational standdown at Red Chris to prioritize rescue efforts Imperial Metals stock (TSX:III) last traded at C$4.23 Imperial Metals (TSX:III) reported two fall of ground incidents that occurred on July 22 at the Red Chris copper-gold mine in British Columbia, where the company holds a 30 per cent interest. The incidents took place in the access way to an underground work area of a non-producing section of the mine. This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Imperial Metals Corp. and is intended for informational purposes only. At the time of the initial ground fall, three contractor employees were working more than 500 metres beyond the affected zone. They were promptly directed to relocate to a designated refuge station. A second fall of ground subsequently blocked the access way and disrupted communication with the workers. Initial contact confirmed the individuals had safely reached one of several self-contained MineARC refuge chambers, which are equipped with food, water, and ventilation systems designed to support extended stays. However, the second incident restricted further communication, prompting a full operational standdown at Red Chris to prioritize rescue efforts. Newmont Corp. (NYSE:NEM), the mine operator, has activated all emergency response protocols and is coordinating with industry partners to restore communication and access. Specialist teams from nearby mine sites have been mobilized, and advanced technologies are being deployed, including drones to assess underground geotechnical conditions and a remote-controlled scoop from the Brucejack mine to begin debris removal. The debris blocking the access way is estimated to be 20 to 30 metres long and seven to eight metres high. Fortunately, the refuge chamber area remains stable and well-ventilated. The workers are believed to be sheltering in a chamber designed to support up to 16 people, with additional chambers nearby if needed. Newmont is also working to restore the mine's leaky feeder communication system to re-establish contact with the workers. Production at Red Chris has been paused to ensure full focus on the rescue operation. Q2 production results In a separate update, Imperial Metals also reported its second-quarter production results from the Red Chris mine. For the period ending June 30, 2025, total mine production (100 per cent basis) reached 23.479 million pounds of copper and 22,624 ounces of gold. This marks a significant increase from the same period in 2024, which saw 20.731 million pounds of copper and 12,531 ounces of gold. Copper production rose 13 per cent year-over-year, driven by a 17 per cent increase in copper grade (0.547 per cent vs 0.466 per cent), despite a slight decrease in throughput. Gold production surged 81 per cent, attributed to higher gold grades and improved recovery. For the first half of 2025, copper output increased by 25 per cent and gold production more than doubled—up 101 per cent—compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting continued operational improvements at the site. The company still emphasized that the safety of the three workers and the emergency response teams remains the top priority as efforts continue to bring the individuals safely to the surface. Imperial Metals Corp. owns the Mount Polley mine, the Huckleberry mine, and Huckleberry copper mines and the Red Chris copper / gold mine. Imperial Metals stock (TSX:III) last traded at C$4.23 and has risen 132.42 per cent since the year began. Join the discussion: Find out what the Bullboards are saying about Imperial Metals and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
Toronto Sun
25-07-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Three workers emerge from B.C. mine after 'meticulously executed' rescue
Published Jul 25, 2025 • 2 minute read An overnight accident had trapped three miners underground in Red Chris mine in Northern B.C. Photo by Handout/Imperial Metals / Vancouver Sun ISKUT — Three workers who were trapped in a remote northern British Columbia mine have been rescued after more than 60 hours underground. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Red Chris mine operator Newmont Corp. said the three men were safely bought to the surface at about 10:40 p.m. on Thursday. It said Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke and Jesse Chubaty _ contractors for B.C.-based Hy-Tech Drilling — were in good health and spirits after being trapped underground by two rockfalls on Tuesday morning. 'This was a carefully planned and meticulously executed rescue plan,' the company said in a statement. Newmont said that the men had consistent access to food, water, and air in a refuge chamber of the gold and copper mine about 500 kilometres northwest of Terrace, B.C. It described an operation involving drones and a remote-controlled scoop that dug away a massive rockfall, estimated to be 20 to 30 metres long and seven to eight metres high. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. '1/8Our3/8 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,' it said. Such systems are typically used to enclose vehicles and operators in dangerous environments. '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.' The company based in Denver, Colo., called the outcome a 'result of tireless collaboration, technical expertise, and above all, safety and care.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the rescue teams and all those involved.' It said the workers were being supported by medical and wellness teams and their families had been notified. B.C.'s Mining and Critical Minerals Minister Jagrup Brar said in a social media post that he 'can't describe the relief we all feel knowing that these three workers are going to be able to go home to their families.' The rescue came just a few hours after Newmont's global safety chief, Bernard Wessels, expressed confidence in the rescue. He said drones had flown over the debris blockage at the mine and found a stable route to the steel safety refuge where the men were sheltering. 'There is natural flow of air through, which is really a positive sign, where the workers are located,' Wessels told a virtual press briefing, speaking on Thursday afternoon from the mine site. The workers were identified by Hy-Tech, saying Coumbs was from Ontario, Maduke from B.C. and Chubaty from Manitoba. It described Coumbs and Chubaty as drillers and Maduke as a driller's helper. Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA World Sunshine Girls
Vancouver Sun
25-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
What is the Red Chris mine project and why it's on B.C. premier's fast-track list?
Construction of Newmont Corp.'s Red Chris mine was 'a huge economic driver to Northwest B.C.' and remains an important building block for the province's critical minerals strategy, according to Michael Goehring, CEO of the Mining Association of B.C. The mine, which is subject of an intense effort to rescue three miners trapped deep underground behind a significant roof collapse, was the second major new mine to be built in the region after B.C. Hydro constructed its Northwest Transmission Line and remains one of the projects that will 'set the tone for the next decade of mining,' Goehring said. Here are some of the Red Chris mine's history and how it became so important to Premier David Eby's strategy to stabilize B.C.'s economy in the face of threatened U.S. tariffs. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Colorado-headquartered Newmont is the 70-per-cent owner and operator, along with B.C.'s Imperial Metals Corp., which holds a 30-per-cent stake in the Red Chris mine, an open-pit copper and gold mine located 80 km south of Dease Lake in B.C.'s far northwest. It employs 350 miners. The $634-million Red Chris mine opened in 2015 to produce some 11 million tonnes of copper per year with amounts of gold over an expected 28-year mine life. The mine's mineral resource also includes gold with production ranging from 46,000 ounces in 2023 to 60,000 ounces last year. Newmont's 2025 forecast is for 86,000 ounces of gold production for 2025. Prospectors first started looking at the geology of what is now the 230-sq.-km. Red Chris site in 1956, with more dedicated exploration between 1973 and 1980. Mine development started in 2002, and in 2010 it survived a Supreme Court of Canada challenge of its federal environmental approval. Red Chris received its provincial permit in 2013, but faced a blockade by Tahltan First Nation elders in the summer of 2014 who were concerned about the mine's proposed tailings dam designed to store mine waste and water. Imperial Metals, which was full owner at the time, had suffered the high-profile failure of the tailings dam at its Mount Polley mine northeast of Williams Lake. The dam failure created a flash-flood of some 17 million cubic metres of water eight million cubic metres of mine waste down Hazeltine Creek and into Quesnel Lake. At Red Chris, Imperial Metals reached a co-management and revenue-sharing agreement with the Tahltan Nation, which was approved by 87 per cent of the community in a vote. The Red Chris mine's initial permit for open-pit operations was based on a 2004 feasibility study, but before the facility was even under construction, additional exploration work starting in 2007 showed that the geology held richer mineralization deep underground. Diamond drilling work between 2007 and 2012, which reached depths beyond a kilometre into the earth, showed rich veins of copper and gold that showed potential for underground mining using block cave methods. In 2021, the mine partners started construction of a portal shaft for underground operations. Last December, Newmont submitted an application to amend its mining permit to transition to underground mining from open pit, which it deemed 'would not be economically sustainable at forecast copper prices,' according to the application. Block cave mining is a method where miners excavate underground by cutting horizontal slices across an ore body then allow the ore-containing rock above the slice to collapse, said Dwayne Tannant, a professor and geotechnical engineering expert at the University of B.C. Okanagan. 'Once you get it going, you don't have to use a whole lot of explosives because (the ore) kind of breaks up as it crushes and collapses into this lower level,' Tannant said. 'And you just draw it out and bring it up to the surface.' In its application, Newmont said the mine plan is based on the excavation of some 300 million tonnes of rock. Shifting gears would mean only 40 per cent of those 300 million tonnes would be excavated from the open pit, some 60 per cent would come from underground operations, which would be expected to last 12 years. According to Goehring, it was more a matter of timing than anything else that put it's underground mining project on the list of 18 major resource projects that Eby wanted to see fast-tracked as a means to diversify B.C.'s economy away from dependence on the U.S., in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war. Newmont submitted its application in December, and Eby unveiled a list of clean energy, infrastructure, natural gas and mining projects that were close to 'shovel ready' that he wanted to push ahead. Goehring added that the Red Chris expansion fits that bill, with a possible decision by the Tahltan First Nation and provincial Environmental Assessment Office by the end of 2025, pending Newmont and Imperial Metals' final investment decision. 'It will be a $2-billion investment that will generate 1,800 construction jobs and 1,500 continuing jobs to support its operation,' Goehring said. He added that Red Chris' underground expansion alone would increase B.C.'s exports of copper, its second-most important mining export, by 15 per cent. Almost all of B.C.'s copper exports go to Asia-Pacific trading partners. 'So it's very important to Northwest B.C. and it's very important to the Tahltan Nation,' Goehring said. The Red Chris mine, which has been in operation since 2015, had 'no outstanding compliance concerns related to health and safety' before Tuesday's roof collapse incident, according to the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals. B.C.'s provincial inspector of mines is responsible for occupational health and safety in the province, and the Red Chris mine's most recent inspections included an occupational health inspection June 25 and geotechnical inspections of both its open-pit and underground operations June 18. Newmont officials said the trapped miners are sheltering in a refuge chamber manufactured by the safety-equipment firm MineARC, one of several refuge stations that are mandatory for underground mining in B.C. B.C.'s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations requires that a refuge station be established within 500 metres of the main underground work area in a mine that can accommodate all workers on shift, be supplied with drinking water, breathable air either compressed or by air generator, a communication system to the surface, and be sealable against fire or toxic gases. In its statements, Newmont said the refuge chamber has room for 16 people to shelter, including cots for sleeping and supplies for several days. An information sheet on MineARC's website said its chambers include monitors to track essential gas levels and carbon dioxide, as well as carbon monoxide scrubbers to eliminate toxic gases. 'Additional refuge chambers are also available nearby and accessible if required,' Newmont said in a statement. depenner@ — with files from Canadian Press
