Emergency teams freed eighteen gold miners from an underground trap in northwestern Colombia after nearly a full day of rescue efforts. The workers remained stuck beneath the surface at El Minón mine in Antioquia region when mechanical systems failed Thursday. Rescue crews completed their mission early Friday morning around 3 AM local time following twelve hours of intensive operations. All miners emerged from the shaft in stable condition as colleagues celebrated their safe return. Local officials confirmed the mining facility operated without proper government licensing.
Equipment breakdown triggered the collapse of anti-landslide barriers that sealed the primary exit route from the underground worksite. Rescue teams pumped oxygen through tubes to sustain the trapped workers during the extended operation. The National Mining Agency warned against unauthorized mining practices that threaten worker safety and environmental protection. Mining incidents occur frequently across Colombia with multiple fatalities reported annually. Regional mining representatives described how the structural failure blocked escape paths for the crew.
Equipment breakdown triggered the collapse of anti-landslide barriers that sealed the primary exit route from the underground worksite. Rescue teams pumped oxygen through tubes to sustain the trapped workers during the extended operation. The National Mining Agency warned against unauthorized mining practices that threaten worker safety and environmental protection. Mining incidents occur frequently across Colombia with multiple fatalities reported annually. Regional mining representatives described how the structural failure blocked escape paths for the crew.
