Smithers, B.C. breathes a sigh of relief after safe return of three Red Chris miners

After two-and-a-half days locked in a northern B.C. mine, separated from the surface by a mound of rockfall, three drillers waved to their families from across the tarmac at Smithers Airport.

It was an emotional embrace for some on Friday afternoon, a more muted greeting for others. Harvey Tremblay, watching his employees reconnect with their families, felt a unique relief.