In a tragic incident at the Luili gold open-pit mine in Mumbwa District, ten artisanal miners lost their lives following a devastating accident. Among the five survivors, two are currently in stable condition and receiving treatment at Nangoma Mission Hospital. The hospital authorities have confirmed that the other three miners, who sustained minor injuries, have been discharged and sent home to recover.
One of the miners still admitted, Moffat Maposa, shared his harrowing experience in an exclusive interview with Diamond News. Visibly shaken and still grappling with the trauma, Maposa recounted the terrifying moments when he witnessed several of his friends perish beneath the debris. “It’s something that I will never forget,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “We were working when suddenly the ground gave way. I saw my friends trapped, but I couldn’t do anything. It was like being in a nightmare.”
The accident has raised questions about the safety measures in place for artisanal miners. Divine Bookers Limited, the company that holds the mining license for the Luili gold site, issued a statement following the disaster. They expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged that the miners who lost their lives were not adequately equipped to safely carry out mining operations. The company has come under scrutiny for allowing work to continue without ensuring proper safety protocols were followed or providing the miners with the necessary protective equipment.
As the community mourns the loss of these lives, rescue operations are ongoing at the site. Authorities are working around the clock to retrieve any bodies that might still be trapped beneath the collapsed debris. The official death toll remains at 10, but there are concerns that the number could rise as recovery efforts continue. Family members of the missing miners have been gathering at the site, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
This tragic incident has highlighted the inherent risks associated with artisanal mining, a common practice in many parts of Zambia where individuals often work in dangerous conditions with limited or no formal training or safety equipment. The government has launched an investigation into the incident, with calls from various quarters for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent further loss of life in similar circumstances.
In the meantime, the survivors and the families of the victims are left to cope with the aftermath of the disaster. For those like Moffat Maposa, the emotional scars may take far longer to heal than the physical injuries. “I can still hear the cries of my friends. It’s something that will stay with me for a long time,” he said, reflecting on the immense toll the accident has taken on both the miners and their families.
By Darius Choonya