A fire broke out at a gold mine in southern Peru, killing at least 27 workers, making it the worst mining disaster in more than two decades. The local government stated that a short-circuit was the cause of the blaze that occurred in the Yanaquihua mine operated by a small-scale company in the Arequipa region.
According to Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, this is the worst mining catastrophe since 2000. The victims were 100 meters below ground, and their relatives gathered near the mine waiting for news about their loved ones. However, the news that has come out so far is harrowing. The rescue teams were attempting to secure the mine before retrieving the bodies of the victims.
Mining accidents are a recurring problem in Peru, which is the world’s eighth-largest gold producer and the second-largest copper and silver producer. Last year, 39 people lost their lives due to mining accidents, and in 2002, 73 people died in different mining accidents, making it the deadliest year for mining in the country.
The Incident
The tragedy occurred in the La Esperanza 1 mine in the Arequipa region, a 10-hour drive from the city of Arequipa, the regional capital. The incident was caused by a short circuit, which ignited the wooden supports inside the mine, and a fire broke out. The victims were 100 meters below ground. There have been no reports of survivors, and the authorities are yet to confirm how many people were inside the mine at the time of the accident. According to the mayor of Yanaquihua, James Casquino, most of the miners would have died of burns and asphyxiation.
The Yanaquihua mine is operated by a small-scale firm. The company has yet to issue an official comment regarding the accident. The ravaged mine is authorized however there are other illicit miners in the area. The government has been trying to shut down these mines to ensure the safety of workers.
Mining Accidents in Peru
Mining accidents are a frequent occurrence in Peru, which is the largest gold producer in Latin America. In 2022, 38 people died in mining-related accidents, according to data from the mining and energy ministry. In 2020, four workers died when another mine in Arequipa collapsed previously.
Mining is one of the primary drivers of Peru’s economy, accounting for over 8% of the country’s GDP. However, the lack of adequate safety measures in some mines poses a significant risk to the lives of workers.
Rescue Operation and Investigation
The rescue teams are currently trying to secure the mine to retrieve the bodies of the victims. The authorities are investigating the accident to determine the cause and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Peru’s President, Dina Boluarte, expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and stated that his government would provide all necessary support to those affected by the tragedy.
The incident at the Yanaquihua mine in Peru is a stark reminder of the dangers that miners face. The loss of lives has caused grief to families and friends of the deceased, and the authorities must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of workers in the mining sector. The incident has also raised concerns about mining safety in the region, and it is imperative that companies operating in the sector ensure that their workers are adequately protected.
