Four Die in Milenge Illegal Mining Accident

Four people have died while one person has survived in an illegal mining accident in Kalali Resettlement Scheme in Senior Chief Kalasamukoso’s area in Milenge District, Luapula Province.

Luapula Province Permanent Secretary PRUDENCE KANGWA says experts have successfully retrieved all four bodies and confirmed that there are no other victims remaining in the pit.

Ms KANGWA says the accident occurred yesterday afternoon when the five were allegedly engaged in illegal mining inside an approximately 20-metre-deep pit with tunnels.

She says preliminary findings indicate that the victims may have died from suffocation due to low oxygen levels inside the deep pit.

Ms. KANGWA, later visited Samfya District Hospital where the survivor is receiving treatment.

She has since described the incident as tragic and avoidable, and warned members of the public against illegal and unsafe mining practices.

Ms. KANGWA said President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has created an enabling environment for the formalization of artisanal mining through the issuance of licences and provision of guidance to ensure miners operate safely.

She urged those involved in illegal mining to formalise their operations and follow established safety procedures, stressing that Government cannot continue losing lives to preventable mining accidents.

This is contained in a statement made available to ZNBC News by Luapula Provincial Administration Principal Public Relations Officer EMMANUEL MASEKO.