Synopsis
Twelve miners trapped in a gold mine collapse in western Kenya have been rescued, confirming a successful operation led by police and the Kenya Red Cross Society. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in the mining sector, as officials urge miners to prioritize safety measures.Key Takeaways
- Twelve miners were rescued after a mine collapse.
- The incident occurred in Kakamega County.
- Rescue efforts involved police and humanitarian organizations.
- Emphasis on improved safety measures in mining.
- Mining remains a vital part of Kenya's economy.
Nairobi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Officials confirmed on Tuesday that twelve miners, who were trapped in a gold mine collapse in western Kenya, have been successfully rescued. The police along with the Kenya Red Cross Society spearheaded the rescue efforts. The 12 artisanal miners were caught in a shaft after the mine’s walls gave way in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, around 6 pm local time (1500 GMT) on Monday.
At the time of the incident, more than 20 miners were present in the shaft, but rescuers managed to extract all of them during a coordinated operation involving the police, the county disaster team, and various humanitarian organizations early Tuesday, as noted by Shinyalu Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu.
The Kenya Red Cross Society confirmed that the trapped miners have been rescued. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged the mining community to enhance safety measures across the industry. He said, “To all miners, I urge you to prioritize safety and exercise utmost caution in your operations. Your lives are invaluable, and no measure is too great when it comes to ensuring your well-being.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the miners were in the process of excavating when the structural failure occurred, leading to a perilous situation inside, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Kakamega County is home to one of the largest mining operations in western Kenya, featuring significant gold deposits that attract many artisanal miners seeking their livelihood.
Mining activities in Kenya are often deemed hazardous due to inadequate safety protocols, with numerous collapses resulting in fatalities in recent years. The sector primarily consists of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), complemented by a few Large-Scale Mining (LSM) operations. It has the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The State Department for Mining in Kenya remains committed to delivering efficient and sustainable management of the mining sector, ensuring that mineral exploration and mining activities adhere to the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.
