
Gold Mine
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On Monday evening, a collapse at a gold mine in Museno village, Kakamega County, tragically trapped at least 12 artisanal miners.
The incident occurred around 6 pm and has since triggered an urgent search and rescue operation, with the fate of those still trapped uncertain. Shinyalu Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu reports that over 20 miners were inside the shaft at the time of the collapse. During an overnight operation, villagers and police successfully rescued eight miners without injuries.
The search team continues to work diligently to locate and extract the remaining trapped individuals. Commander Mukumbu urges residents to exercise patience and caution while the operation unfolds. He highlights the fragile condition of the area surrounding the collapsed shaft and stresses the importance of preventing congregations near the site to mitigate the risk of further casualties.
Patrick Mukhule, chairperson of the Western Regional Rescue Team, expresses grave concern regarding the trapped miners’ condition. Although those rescued were unharmed, Mukhule indicates a worrying outlook for the others, stating, “We are talking to them on the phone, and the situation is not good. Some of them may not be alive.”
This disaster exposes the hazardous nature of artisanal gold mining prevalent in Kakamega County, which is known for its significant gold deposits in areas like Lurambi, Shinyalu, and Ikolomani. The sector is fraught with dangers due to inadequate safety measures, often resulting in fatal accidents. The Museno mine collapse is part of a disturbing trend in the region, marked by similar incidents.
For instance, in January, three miners suffocated after a mine in Ikolomani collapsed. These accidents draw attention to the urgent need for improved safety regulations and enforcement, essential to protect the lives of those engaged in artisanal mining. The risks are exacerbated by the prevalence of illegal mining activities. Approximately 8,000 miners operate without proper licenses in Kakamega County, putting themselves and the environment in danger.