Three workers trapped in B.C.'s Red Chris mine have air, food, water, operator says

VANCOUVER — The majority owner of the Red Chris mine in northwestern British Columbia says three workers trapped underground in a refuge area have enough air, water and food for an “extended stay.”

The statement from Newmont Corp. says it is working to assemble specialist teams from nearby mine sites to respond to the accident, which was announced by B.C. Premier David Eby.

Newmont says the workers are trapped in a refuge area with restricted communications after two “fall of ground” incidents blocked access.

It says the miners were working more than 500 metres beyond the area affected by the first fall and had relocated to the refuge station before the second collapse blocked their escape.

The statement says contact was established with the workers after the first incident, and they c