The employer of the three workers trapped deep underground in a remote northern B.C. mine said their safe rescue sparked a wave of joy and relief after more than 60 hours of uncertainty.
“It was quite a euphoric evening,” said Dwayne Ross of Hy-Tech Drilling, describing the moment Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke, and Jesse Chubaty were brought to the surface from the Red Chris mine around 10:40 p.m. Thursday.
Ross confirmed the men would soon return to Smithers, B.C., where Hy-Tech is headquartered.
Bernard Wessels, global safety chief with Newmont Corporation — the mine’s operator — said there were “goosebumps and happiness” as the contractors emerged safely from the underground refuge located 284 metres beneath the surface.
“These men held on to hope and strength every minute,” Wessels said, noting they would reunite with their families on Friday.
Newmont confirmed the workers were in good physical and mental health upon rescue. “As a precaution, they were sent for medical checks and offered counselling,” the company said, emphasizing that their wellbeing and family reunions were the top priority.
The workers were trapped after two separate “falls of ground” blocked access to their tunnel. A high-stakes rescue followed, involving remote-controlled drones, heavy machinery, and a specially equipped rescue vehicle with a protective enclosure to shield against falling debris.
The blockage was about 20 metres long. Once cleared, the rescue team reached the refuge chamber where the workers were waiting in stable condition.
“They walked on their own into the rescue vehicle,” Wessels said. “They were alert, in healthy spirits, and had even caught up on sleep.”
The first collapse occurred at 7:47 a.m. Tuesday, prompting the workers to retreat to a safety chamber stocked with air, food, and water. A second, larger collapse occurred roughly three hours later, making the rescue more complicated.
Newmont said the tunnel had no history of such incidents and was regularly inspected. “This was a highly localized, unexpected event,” the company stated. A full investigation is underway to identify the root cause and share safety lessons across the mining sector.
B.C. Premier David Eby praised the rescue operation and the bravery of the workers. “The three drillers showed incredible courage during their 60-plus hours underground,” he said.
Hy-Tech identified the workers as Coumbs from Ontario, Chubaty from Manitoba, and Maduke from B.C. Coumbs and Chubaty worked as drillers, while Maduke served as a driller’s helper.
Newmont said surface-level mining operations have now resumed at the Red Chris site, which are separate from the affected underground section.
