The search for survivors persists in Zimbabwe’s Chegutu district, where rescue teams have been tirelessly working for three days following the collapse of an abandoned gold mine, resulting in the loss of at least 10 illegal miners.
Local media was informed by provincial official Marian Chombo on Sunday that an estimated 42 artisanal miners were working underground at the Bay Horse Mine in Chegutu when it collapsed on Friday.
As per local reports, 21 of these miners have been rescued, while another 10 are currently believed to be stuck under the rubble.
State media reports have confirmed ten deaths up to this point, with some of the deceased individuals discovered trapped under rocks.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, mentioned on Saturday that the accident might have led to the tragic demise of as many as 13 individuals.
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Additionally, Chiwenga stated that the government will extend its assistance to cover the funeral costs of those who lost their lives.
Located in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West province, the mine is situated 62 miles to the west of Harare. Chombo noted that the miners had entered the mine, which is estimated to be about 150 meters deep, through entry points that were not officially designated for access.
Chombo reached out to mining companies in the province, seeking their support and involvement in the ongoing rescue operations.
‘The mines have expertise and other machines and equipment that could be helpful,’ she told reporters.
The prevalence of artisanal mining is well-established in Zimbabwe, a nation blessed with extensive gold and diamond deposits. Regrettably, accidents at unauthorised mining sites are a frequent occurrence in this southern African country.
In 2019, a tragic incident occurred when the lifeless bodies of roughly two dozen illegal gold miners were recovered from a flooded mine in a rural settlement within Mashonaland West province.