Mining - Mine accident in Zambia: 30 or more deaths feared
Following a mining accident in Chingola in the copper belt of Zambia, around 30 miners are believed to have been trapped or buried. It is feared that they may have drowned in the mine. "Our prayers are with the families of the dead," said Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who thanked the rescue workers for their efforts at the site of the accident. The mine collapse on Friday was preceded by heavy rainfall.
Elisha Matambo, Minister of Mines in the southern African country, visited the site to find out about the rescue work. He announced that he would make a statement once all the victims had been rescued. According to unconfirmed reports, there could even be more than 40 dead. Interior Minister Jack Mwiimbu had spoken of more than 30 buried victims on Friday; on Sunday there was talk of 31 names of missing miners known so far.
The open-cast mine is an illegal mine where work is carried out without a license - there is therefore no information on the number of people working there.
Read also:
- Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, concerns about additional casualties among the mountain people in the area surrounding the illegal mine in Chingola have arisen, as Interior Minister Jack Mwiimbu mentioned 31 names of missing miners on Sunday.
- The Ministry of Mines in Zambia, led by Elisha Matambo, is working closely with the emergency services to address this tragic mining accident, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations in the mining industry, especially in light of the accident's aftermath.
- In light of the ongoing emergencies in the mining sector, it's crucial for Zambian authorities to reinforce safety regulations and ensure that all mines, including illegal ones, comply with the necessary emergency response protocols to protect the lives and well-being of mining community members, such as the mountain people.
Source: www.stern.de
