Colombia: 18 miners trapped in a gold mine

At least 18 miners are trapped in an illegal gold mine located between the municipalities of Remedios and Segovia, in northwestern Colombia, official sources reported, who believe that all of them are still alive.

According to a statement from the Remedios City Council, in the department of Antioquia, the accident occurred on Thursday at the “El Miñón” mine, located in a sector known as Providencia .

“The 18 miners trapped in the El Miñón mine are presumed to be alive! (…) It fills us with hope to know that they may be alive, and we are present, providing institutional support to expedite the rescue efforts,” the Ministry of Mines and Energy stated on social media.

It is assumed that the 18 miners trapped in the El Miñón mine are still alive!

From @MinEnergiaCo we express our solidarity with the families of these valuable miners. We are filled with hope to know that we can be alive and we are present, offering support… pic.twitter.com/yoD5vRFCYt

— Minenergía (@MinEnergiaCo) July 18, 2025

The accident, according to the National Mining Agency, was a collapse caused by “geomechanical failures at the entrance to a mine associated with illegal gold mining activities.”

“Work at the site is focused on ensuring the safety of rescuers and the recovery of trapped miners,” the agency added.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, said that "emergency protocols" have been activated and that they are working to bring the 18 miners "back safe and sound."