By James Kunda
LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - More than 30 miners are trapped as a pit quarry collapsed Friday in Zambia's mineral-rich Copperbelt Province.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu said in parliament that rescue efforts are underway to reach the miners at the Chingola Cop-A Sensele open pit mine, which collapsed under heavy rain,
"I just wish to inform the nation that we have a tragedy in Chingola where a number of our people have been affected by the collapse of an open pit mine. We have more than 30 people under the rubble and we are struggling to retrieve them," Mwiimbu said during a National Assembly session.
Later, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe visited the site where he said a thorough investigation would be conducted to devise plans to secure the area and prevent similar incidents.
Illegal mining of base metals in the southern African nation has remained rampant as it is a source of livelihood for unemployed youths, albeit at the exploitation of bigger tycoons who get the lion's share of the profit.
Several fatalities have been reported as a result of slug pit mining as "scavengers" seek to redeem traces of the ore.
The government, however, said measures are being implemented through the Mines Ministry to regularize artisanal and small-scale mining to enhance the safety of those involved.