In the Democratic Republic of Congo, rescue teams are battling against the elements and limited resources to save miners trapped in a landslide during an ongoing gold rush.
**Desperate Search for Miners: DR Congo's Gold Rush Turns to Crisis**
**Desperate Search for Miners: DR Congo's Gold Rush Turns to Crisis**
Rescue efforts continue in Lomera as trapped miners raise fears for safety amid chaos.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, frantic rescue operations are ongoing as local miners dig with their bare hands and rudimentary tools to save their colleagues trapped underground. Since the collapse of mineshafts in Lomera early Sunday, six miners have been rescued alive, while the situation remains dire for many others still trapped, according to local journalist Ashuza Barack. Amid contrasting accounts of the casualty figures, one resident reported that 12 bodies had been retrieved, but Barack emphasized that no deaths had yet been confirmed.
The gold-rich area, located in South Kivu province, has fallen under the influence of M23 rebels following their takeover of significant territories in the eastern region earlier this year. The M23 have denied allegations that hundreds of miners remain entrapped within the rubble. Medical organization MSF noted that the hills surrounding Lomera saw the onset of a gold rush late last year, attracting thousands of hopeful artisanal miners who set up a chaotic network of mineshafts and temporary shelters.
Unfortunately, a sudden series of landslides buried a number of these minor shafts, leading to the current crisis. Rescue operations have encountered significant challenges as debris and boulders obstruct access to the affected areas. The lack of adequate rescue equipment has only heightened the urgency of the situation, as many miners express exhaustion from their efforts while waiting for potential survivors. One miner shared, “We’ve been digging since Sunday night but have not recovered any bodies. We are exhausted.”
In response to the crisis, M23 officials visited the site and mandated a halt to mining operations in certain areas. This region of DR Congo is a critical supplier of vital metals and minerals for the global electronics industry, yet lacks strict regulations and safety protocols. Decades of conflict have plagued the area, with various rebel factions and government forces contending for control.
The M23's advances earlier this year included the capture of Goma, the principal city in eastern DR Congo, leading to a ceasefire agreement with the government during recent negotiations facilitated by Qatar.
The gold-rich area, located in South Kivu province, has fallen under the influence of M23 rebels following their takeover of significant territories in the eastern region earlier this year. The M23 have denied allegations that hundreds of miners remain entrapped within the rubble. Medical organization MSF noted that the hills surrounding Lomera saw the onset of a gold rush late last year, attracting thousands of hopeful artisanal miners who set up a chaotic network of mineshafts and temporary shelters.
Unfortunately, a sudden series of landslides buried a number of these minor shafts, leading to the current crisis. Rescue operations have encountered significant challenges as debris and boulders obstruct access to the affected areas. The lack of adequate rescue equipment has only heightened the urgency of the situation, as many miners express exhaustion from their efforts while waiting for potential survivors. One miner shared, “We’ve been digging since Sunday night but have not recovered any bodies. We are exhausted.”
In response to the crisis, M23 officials visited the site and mandated a halt to mining operations in certain areas. This region of DR Congo is a critical supplier of vital metals and minerals for the global electronics industry, yet lacks strict regulations and safety protocols. Decades of conflict have plagued the area, with various rebel factions and government forces contending for control.
The M23's advances earlier this year included the capture of Goma, the principal city in eastern DR Congo, leading to a ceasefire agreement with the government during recent negotiations facilitated by Qatar.
