SHINYANGA (Tanzania), Aug 18 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE Tanzanian government has reassured the public that the Fire and Rescue Force is working tirelessly around the clock to rescue all mine workers trapped in the Nyandolwa Gold Mine in Shinyanga.
As of Saturday, five workers had been rescued: Three found alive, one who passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital and another found dead inside the mine.
Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining 20 miners still trapped underground.
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Daniel Sillo visited the site over the weekend and reaffirmed the commitment of rescue teams to continue their efforts without pause.
He insisted the critical importance of strict adherence to safety procedures in mining operations and urged mine owners across the country to prioritise safe working conditions to prevent such tragedies.
The accident occurred last Monday at a site licensed to a small-scale miners’ group called Wachapakazi.
At the time, approximately 25 workers were conducting maintenance at several gold mining pits.
Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro, who also provided an update on the rescue mission, vowed to persist until all missing workers are found and brought to safety.
“We must keep fighting until everyone is out safely. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued special directives which are being actively implemented, including reinforcements from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Fire and Rescue Force,” Mtatiro stated.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has instructed the Prime Minister’s Office to collaborate closely with defence and security agencies to accelerate rescue operations and ordered immediate humanitarian assistance for the victims. In a message posted on her social media last Thursday, President Samia expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“I have received with great sadness reports of the disaster at Nyandolwa Mine, where 25 of our fellow citizens were trapped by debris. Let us continue praying for the quick recovery of the injured and may the bereaved families find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” she wrote.
Regional authorities confirmed that four miners had been rescued, although 27-year-old Emanuel Kija later succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Stephen Kiruswa, who visited the site on Wednesday, confirmed Kija’s death.
“We are working around the clock. Communication with the trapped miners has been established and they are still alive as of now. I have instructed that all necessary first aid supplies, including oxygen machines, be brought to the site immediately,” Kiruswa said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the mining shafts were constructed too close to each other, requiring frequent repairs to prevent erosion and collapse.
The deputy minister has tasked mining experts and the Mining Commission with assessing the site’s safety and recommending measures for safer mining operations.
Mtatiro detailed that Shaft No 130 had six workers when the collapse occurred; four were rescued (including the late Kija). Shaft No 20 had eight miners and the remainder were in Shaft No 103.
“We are in constant contact with rescue teams and progress is being made. We urge residents to remain calm as operations continue at full force,” Mtatiro added.
The three confirmed survivors are Furano Peter, Antony Clement and Nagula Japhet. One of the mine owners, Fikiri Mnwagi, explained that the collapse happened during rehabilitation works on the shafts, triggered by underground tremors that destabilised the ground, causing the soil to collapse from the base upwards. — NNN-AGENCIES
