At least 43 miners were killed after a mine collapsed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The dramatic incident occurred on Thursday, July 27, 2019 in the Kolwezi region when 2 galleries inside the mine, that was operated by Glencore, a British–Swiss mining company, gave way.
According to Glencore, the miners entered the site illegally, a phenomenon that has started to become common in its operations as about 2,000 unlicensed miners enter the mines putting their lives at great hazard. "This has presented a significant risk to its employees, operating equipment and the illegal artisanal miners themselves. Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) urges all illegal miners to cease from putting their lives at risk by trespassing on a major industrial site," the mining company stated.
Accidents and ground failures occur as independent miners use obsolete methods that decrease the stability of mines. Moreover, illegal workers may dig tunnels underneath walls to break into the mine site, putting themselves in even bigger danger. "KCC urges all illegal miners to cease from putting their lives at risk by trespassing on a major industrial site," Glencore added.
Rescuers rushed at the site in search of victims and have retrieved 43 bodies. However, the actual number of people that were trapped inside the mine is still unknown.
On Sunday, June 30, 2019, Congo’s interior minister, Basile Olongo, pledged to eliminate illegal mining in the country. “From tomorrow, if you come back here, you won’t see any more clandestines. We are going to take measures to evacuate everyone,” he stated. Although it is not yet clarified how the government is willing to stop illegal mining, there have been unconfirmed reports that army may be deployed.
Sources: Reuters.com Cnn.com Bloomberg.com FT.com
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