A tragic incident occurred at a gold mine in southern Peru, resulting in the death of at least 27 workers during an overnight shift. The Yanaquihua mining company reported that 175 workers had been safely evacuated after the accident, while the 27 fatalities worked for a mining contractor.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that an explosion may have been set off by a short circuit in a part of the mine about 330 feet below the surface. The incident took place in the Arequipa region, and government officials are working with investigators to determine the cause of the fire.
Relatives of the victims were brought to the mine in Yanaquihua to await the bodies of their loved ones. Security agents briefed them while some family members sat in front of posters at the mine entrance. Marcelina Aguirre, who lost her husband in the incident, expressed her sadness and said that her husband had expressed concerns about risks at the mine.
Mining is a crucial part of Peru’s economy, with gold accounting for 60% of the country’s exports. However, mining accidents are not uncommon in the country. Last year, 34 people died in a fire in a northern Peru mine, while in 2019, eight people were killed in a similar incident at a mine in the central Andean region.
The latest incident has resulted in widespread calls for improved safety measures at mining sites. Unions have called for an emergency meeting to discuss the matter, while the government has proposed a series of measures to address the issue. These measures include increased inspections, better training for workers, and the establishment of a hotline for workers to report safety concerns.
The Public Ministry of Arequipa’s Fiscal District released a statement indicating that investigators were working to clarify what had occurred. “During the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office will determine the cause of the tragic event and the responsibilities of those involved,” the statement read.
The incident has shocked the nation, with President Pedro Castillo expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. “I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased in the mining accident in Arequipa,” he said. “We are in mourning for the loss of our compatriots, and we are with their families at this difficult time.”
Mining companies in Peru have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with concerns raised over safety standards and the impact of mining on the environment. The government has pledged to address these issues, but many argue that more needs to be done to protect workers and the environment.