Hy-Tech Drilling has officially resumed underground drilling operations at Red Chris following the extensive ground consolidation and rehabilitation work completed by Newmont.
The return marks an important milestone for our team after last year’s fall of ground incident. It follows firsthand assessments, detailed planning, and open discussions with employees returning underground. Confidence across the crew is strong, supported by upgraded ground support systems, additional safety measures, and continued collaboration between all parties involved.
A meaningful return underground.
One detail that carries particular meaning for the team is the return of Kevin Coumbs, one of the three crew members involved in last year’s incident. Kevin is part of the returning crew and back underground drilling alongside his colleagues. His leadership during the event, and confidence in the work completed since, helped reinforce trust and readiness across the team.
There is a strong sense of pride and ownership across the crew as operations resume safely and as planned. The engagement and professionalism shown throughout the recovery, rehabilitation, and return-to-work process has been significant at every level.
Experience matters most when it is shared.
The timing of the return also coincided with the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association (CDDA) Annual General Meeting, where Hy-Tech Drilling President Dwayne Ross and Director of EHS & Training Barry Nabess shared key lessons learned from the Red Chris events and discussed the importance of preparedness and continuous improvement across the drilling industry.
Hy-Tech Drilling would like to thank everyone involved in the recovery, rehabilitation, planning, and operational readiness efforts that supported the safe return to underground operations at Red Chris.
