In a dramatic rescue operation, local miners in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are digging with their bare hands and basic tools to save fellow miners trapped underground after a series of landslides buried makeshift shafts in the gold-rich area of Lomera. Since the collapse occurred early on Sunday, six survivors have been pulled from the rubble, though one is reported to be seriously injured, according to local journalist Ashuza Barack.
DR Congo Miners Rescued as Search Efforts Continue for Trapped Victims
DR Congo Miners Rescued as Search Efforts Continue for Trapped Victims
Rescue teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo risk their lives to free miners trapped in collapsed shafts amid chaotic conditions.
The situation remains perilous, with conflicting reports about the number of trapped miners. While one local resident claimed that 12 bodies had been discovered, journalist Barack stated that no bodies have been recovered yet. The area has seen a surge of miners following the discovery of gold late last year, transforming a previously quiet village into a chaotic scene filled with artisanal mining operations.
Rescue efforts have faced challenges due to the lack of proper equipment and the blocking of access routes by debris and large stones. Survivors have expressed their desperation, with one miner recounting their struggle, stating, "We've been digging since Sunday night but have not recovered any bodies. We are exhausted."
Control of the region has been under the M23 rebels, who have also denied claims that hundreds remain trapped underground. The ongoing conflict has further complicated the rescue operation. The M23 captured significant territories earlier this year, including Goma, the main city in eastern DR Congo, and recently signed a ceasefire deal with the government.
As rescue efforts continue, concern remains over the safety regulations within the mining sites that supply essential metals and minerals to the global electronics industry, with many operations lacking proper oversight. The chaos in Lomera serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those involved in artisanal mining amidst ongoing conflict.
Rescue efforts have faced challenges due to the lack of proper equipment and the blocking of access routes by debris and large stones. Survivors have expressed their desperation, with one miner recounting their struggle, stating, "We've been digging since Sunday night but have not recovered any bodies. We are exhausted."
Control of the region has been under the M23 rebels, who have also denied claims that hundreds remain trapped underground. The ongoing conflict has further complicated the rescue operation. The M23 captured significant territories earlier this year, including Goma, the main city in eastern DR Congo, and recently signed a ceasefire deal with the government.
As rescue efforts continue, concern remains over the safety regulations within the mining sites that supply essential metals and minerals to the global electronics industry, with many operations lacking proper oversight. The chaos in Lomera serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those involved in artisanal mining amidst ongoing conflict.
