Four additional remains have been recovered from Sensele Mine, raising the total number of victims found to 31.
On November 30 last year, more than 30 miners were trapped at three different locations in Sensele Mine, Chingola, after heavy rains caused severe flooding.
Over time, some remains were gradually retrieved. Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo announced that, following the closure of the Sensele Mine accident case a week ago, small-scale miners and the technical team on site were given two weeks to complete the recovery process.
“During this period, four more remains were recovered yesterday, bringing the total number of retrieved victims to 31, with one person found alive,” Mr. Matambo said.
He added that the government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), provided the necessary logistics to ensure a dignified burial for the deceased. Out of the four remains recovered, one has been identified, while DNA tests will be conducted to identify the others.
Mr. Matambo also stated that the Sensele Mine site would be secured, with reinforced security to prevent future accidents.
“Our plan is to formalize small-scale mining activities at Sensele Mine to ensure miners can work in a safe and suitable environment,” he said.
He further mentioned that the government is in discussions with dumpsite stakeholders to explore alternative income opportunities for small-scale miners while efforts to formalize operations at the mine are ongoing.
Source: Mwebantu
