Fatshimetrie has just published an alarming report highlighting the tragedy that befell a gold mine in Nigeria. The harrowing tale recounts rescuers’ desperate efforts to find dozens of workers trapped under rubble after the mine collapsed.
Located in the remote district of Shiroro, in north-central Nigeria, the mine gave way under the effect of torrential rains which weakened the ground. Local authorities confirmed the death of one person and reported the disappearance of at least 30 other workers. However, local residents estimate that up to 44 individuals could be trapped under the rubble.
This tragedy highlights the challenges and dangers faced by mine workers in Nigeria. Corruption, illegal operations and precarious working conditions are commonplace in these mining operations, often located in remote areas, far from any significant government presence.
The first rescuers had to flee for their lives as the mine continued to collapse beneath their feet, said Abdullahi Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency. Despite the risks, rescue operations have resumed, but the task of locating workers trapped deep in the mine is proving difficult. Emergency services spokesman Ibrahim Hussaini highlighted the difficulties encountered in accessing a buried site almost as deep as a three-story building.
With heavy hearts, the families of the missing watch helplessly as rescuers clear the rubble for hours. Among the victims is Yakubu Galkogo, who was only on his first day on the job. His wife and two children are anxiously awaiting news, confides his brother, Auwal Suleiman, who is calling on the government to deploy more human and material resources in rescue operations. The tension is palpable in the region, the wait for news proving unbearable for the relatives of the missing.
This disaster is a cruel reminder of the perilous working conditions to which miners are exposed, often living in the shadow of safety and regulatory standards. As rescuers bravely navigate the rubble to recover buried lives, it is imperative that steps are taken to improve safety and working conditions at these mining operations and avoid similar tragedies in the future.