AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Fire Breaks Out Underground at T3 Mine in Thompson
On Thursday, workers at the T3 mine in Thompson, Manitoba, were temporarily stuck underground after an underground fire broke out involving a piece of equipment. The mine, located in northern Manitoba and owned by Exiro Metals, enacted its emergency protocols to ensure worker safety.
Exiro Metals Confirms Incident and Response Actions
Exiro Metals issued a statement on Friday confirming the fire incident. According to the company, all employees underground adhered to "established safety procedures" by relocating to designated safety locations while the mine rescue team worked to extinguish the blaze. The mine operator praised both its workers and emergency respondents for their professionalism during the event.
Fire Extinguished and Safety Measures in Place
The fire was successfully put out by the mine's rescue team, with no need to involve the local Thompson Fire and Emergency Services. Exiro Metals stated that once the affected area was verified as safe, employees were able to resume their regular duties. An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.
History of Underground Fires at the Site
This is not the first time a fire has occurred at the Thompson mine. Previous incidents include a 2015 underground fire that required some workers to stay in a refuge station overnight, and a 2019 fire that resulted in injuries to two workers. These cases underscore the ongoing risks and the importance of stringent mine safety protocols in underground mining operations.
Risks Associated with Underground Fires in Mining
Underground fires present significant hazards in mining environments. The enclosed nature of mines, coupled with restricted entrance and exit points, can complicate evacuation. Additionally, the release of smoke or toxic gases during a fire may jeopardize the air supply for anyone underground. These dangers highlight the necessity for rigorous safety procedures and well-prepared mine rescue teams to protect worker safety during mining incidents.
Similar Incidents in the Mining Sector
The article notes a comparable event at the Lalor mine near Snow Lake in 2022, where a scoop fire trapped 177 miners underground for several hours. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in that incident. Such cases reinforce the ongoing need for fire evacuation protocols and robust worker safety measures in underground mining operations.
Source: cbc.ca.
