Six Miners Killed in Collapse of Informal Gold Mine in Colombia's Nariño Province

At least six miners died Monday when an open‑pit gold mine gave way in the remote municipality of Santa Barbara de Iscuande, Nariño Province. The collapse happened on October 20, 2026, according to authorities. Disaster response official Jorge Tovar Castillo said another 12 to 15 miners are missing. Municipal officials are leading the rescue, but poor communication hampers the effort. Santa Barbara de Iscuande sits amid dense rainforest and can only be accessed by boat or small aircraft, complicating aid delivery.

Reaction

Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar posted on X that the mine was informal and unlicensed. He said the priority is to save lives, support families and ensure a timely response. He added that many small mines in Colombia operate without permits and some are linked to rebel groups.

Context

Informal mining is common in Colombia, especially in remote areas where state oversight is limited. Such operations often lack safety measures, increasing the risk of accidents like this collapse. Armed groups often control such sites, making safety enforcement even harder.