Landslide of an artisanal mine in Olongba: Two victims and several injured
In the village of Olongba, located in the Walendu Bindi chiefdom, in the territory of Irumu, Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a fatal landslide occurred in an artisanal mine. Two people unfortunately lost their lives and six others were injured in this incident.
According to information provided by the civil protection service to the Congolese News Agency, the landslide occurred in the artisanal quarry of Dieudonné, in the village of Olongba. The heavy rains that recently hit the area may have contributed to this tragedy. Working conditions in artisanal mines are often precarious, and safety standards are often neglected, which increases the risk of accidents.
Civil Protection has highlighted the importance of strengthening prevention measures during the rainy season, especially for artisanal miners. It is essential that minors take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. In addition, the dilapidated state of the shafts of certain mines constitutes an additional risk factor, and measures must be taken to remedy this situation.
The local authorities have also denounced the complicity of certain law enforcement agents in the clandestine access of artisanal miners to dangerous mining sites, as well as in the illegal exploitation of minerals. It is essential to put an end to these practices to ensure the safety of workers and to fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
This tragic incident once again highlights the risks faced by artisanal miners in the DRC. Urgent action is needed to improve working conditions in these mines and ensure worker safety. This requires compliance with safety standards, training miners on good practices and the fight against the illegal exploitation of minerals.
In conclusion, the landslide at the artisanal mine of Olongba is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by artisanal miners in the DRC. It is essential to strengthen security measures, to fight against the illegal exploitation of minerals and to make miners aware of the importance of their own protection. Only concerted action and the implementation of effective policies will guarantee the safety and well-being of these workers who contribute to the country’s economy