At least 14 killed in Colombia illegal gold mine collapse

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

At least 14 miners died when an unpermitted open pit gold mine collapsed in Colombia's Nariño province.

An unpermitted open pit gold mine collapsed in Colombia's Nariño province near the small town of Santa Barbara de Iscuande, killing at least 14 miners. Seven additional people were injured in the accident. Search and rescue efforts concluded on Monday night.

Nariño's governor, Luis Alfonso Escobar, said 'entire families have been killed in this regrettable accident'. The provincial government issued a statement saying the emergency 'highlights the risks associated with informal mining', noting that two collapsed mines in Nariño have killed 27 people in less than three months.

Santa Barbara de Iscuande is surrounded by dense rainforest and can only be reached by boat or small aircraft, hindering aid access to the area. The town also faces security challenges, with two rebel groups reportedly operating there, including the Jacobo Arenas Block, led by former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia who rejected the 2016 peace agreement. Hundreds of small mines across Colombia operate without government permits, with some controlled by rebel groups.

How it is being reported

• Colombia gold mine collapse kills at least 14At least 14 miners are dead after an illegal open pit gold mine collapsed in a remote corner of Colombia.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 01:57
• Colombia gold mine collapse kills at least 14At least 14 miners are dead after an illegal open pit gold mine collapsed in a remote corner of Colombia.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 01:57

In this story: Colombia · Nariño · Santa Barbara de Iscuande · Luis Alfonso Escobar · Jacobo Arenas Block · Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

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