Rescuers on Friday freed three miners who had been trapped by a landslide at an illegal gold mine in southern Honduras, but eight more remained unaccounted for as the search moved into its second day.

The action affects the 945-acre El Ocote concession in western Honduras operated by Maverick SA, a subsidiary of Vancouver-based SilverCrest Mines Inc.

Honduras mines gold, silver, zinc, lead, iron ore and antimony. Mining exports generated $206.5 million in 2011, according to the National Metals Mining Association of Honduras. Sign up here.

An anti-mining environmental activist in Honduras who protested to preserve tropical forests and rivers was killed over the weekend, even after warnings to better ensure his safety.

The Honduran government said Tuesday it is canceling the mining concession of a Canadian company over allegations that it has exploited a nature reserve. The action affects the 945-acre El Ocote ...