Miner dies, another critical after mine collapse in Colombia's Cauca region

A miner died and another was critically injured on July 10 when a gold mine collapsed in the San Antonio village of Santander de Quilichao, in Colombia's northern Cauca department. The deceased miner was being transported to Cali when he succumbed to his injuries.

The accident highlights the persistent dangers of artisanal gold mining in the region. San Antonio is known for its open-pit mining operations, where collapses have become a constant risk for those who depend on the industry for their livelihood.

This is not the first tragedy of its kind in Santander de Quilichao. In September 2025, eight people, including a minor, were trapped for nine days in a gold mine collapse. Their bodies were eventually recovered from a depth of about 25 meters, with authorities suspecting lack of oxygen as the cause of death. Indigenous and Afro-descendant community guards, along with authorities, were involved in the rescue and subsequent legal and forensic procedures during that incident.