Seven artisanal miners are trapped deep underground after the shaft they were working in catastrophically collapsed following torrential downpours on Tuesday afternoon. The men were caught unawares when the structure gave way, burying them under earth and rock and cutting off all communication.
Emergency crews, comprising local police, officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, and experienced mine operators, have been labouring non-stop to reach the men. However, their efforts are being severely hampered by the relentless weather and perilously unstable conditions within the mine.
Seven Artisanal Miners Feared Dead After Mine Shaft Collapses
The Provincial Mining Director, Engineer Khumbulani Mlangeni, confirmed the grim situation, stating that the fight to bring the miners to the surface is ongoing but fraught with difficulty. He revealed the primary obstacle facing rescuers, saying,
“Rescue, search and retrieve efforts are still ongoing as of early this morning. Rains are hampering progress.”
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This sentiment was echoed by Mrs Sithokozike Moyo, the chairperson of the Silobela Small Scale Miners Association, who provided a harrowing account of the challenges. She explained that a syndicate of seven individuals was trapped when the heavy rains saturated the ground above them.
“Since Tuesday, rescue efforts have failed to retrieve them,” Mrs Moyo confirmed. “We have been pumping out water trying to rescue them.”
Fading Hope in Silobela
As the hours turn into days, the initial hope that the miners would be found alive is beginning to dwindle. Anxious residents have gathered near the site, watching in solemn silence as heavy machinery and dedicated rescue teams battle against the clock and the elements. Every scoop of mud removed is a small victory, but the continuous inflow of water and the risk of further collapses create a deeply treacherous environment for the would-be saviours.
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The community, bound by the inherent dangers of small-scale mining, now faces an agonising wait for any news. The relentless rainfall, which triggered this tragedy, continues to be the biggest enemy in the race to save the seven souls trapped beneath the earth.
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The post Seven Artisanal Miners Feared Dead After Mine Shaft Collapses Amid Heavy Rains appeared first on iHarare News.
