Kootenay Silver Inc. confirmed the tragedy on Friday, noting that the search for the contractor is currently the primary focus. Company leadership expressed deep condolences to the family and friends of the missing individual, emphasizing that the firm is cooperating fully with regulatory bodies to determine the sequence of events that led to the collapse or site failure within the shaft.

Operations at the Columba project will remain halted indefinitely as safety protocols are reviewed and the investigation proceeds. CEO James McDonald and Chairman Ken Berry are managing the response efforts, with the company prioritizing transparency regarding the site conditions and the ongoing recovery mission.