Emergency Services Face Difficulty Locating Miners Trapped in Zambian Mudslide
A team of emergency services in Zambia is currently encountering difficulties in locating approximately thirty illegal miners who have been reported missing for the past two days following a mudslide. This incident took place at an open-cast copper mine in the Chingola region, located about 400 kilometers north of the capital city, Lusaka. The Minister of the Interior has confirmed that the miners became trapped in a torrent of mud triggered by heavy rains.
The Vice-President of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, has described the situation as a “catastrophe” and has informed that, despite continuous relief operations, the missing miners have not yet been located. Search efforts have been ongoing day and night, but have thus far been unsuccessful. This uncertainty regarding the fate of the miners has caused distress to both the authorities and the families of those affected.
According to the Vice President, the search efforts have been focused on three specific areas within the artisanal mining site, known for harboring hundreds of illegal miners who extract copper from the earth. The authorities have confirmed the names of seven missing miners, with the caveat that the list may not be exhaustive.
The mudslide occurred at 2 a.m. on Friday, during which the mining site was engulfed by a deluge of mud. Unfortunately, further details of the incident have not been provided. The Chingola region is home to one of the world’s largest open-cast copper mines, with hills formed from mine waste towering up to a hundred meters in height.
The situation has raised concern and urgency among the Zambian authorities and the local community. In response to this distressing situation, the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, has urged the emergency services to intensify their search efforts and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe rescue of the miners.
This worrying event has highlighted the risks faced by illegal miners, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures within the mining industry. The Zambian government, alongside international partners, must work towards addressing the root causes of unauthorized mining activities and implementing preventative measures to avert similar incidents in the future.
As the search for the missing miners continues, the entire nation remains hopeful for a positive outcome. The well-being of the trapped miners remains a top priority, and an extensive operation is underway to ensure their safe rescue.
Source: Africanews/Hauwa M.
