https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240212/over-20-miners-are-reportedly-stuck-in-cave-in-ethiopia-for-three-days-rescue-operations-underway-1065047765.html
Over 20 Miners Are Reportedly Stuck in Cave in Ethiopia for Three Days, Rescue Operations Underway
Over 20 Miners Are Reportedly Stuck in Cave in Ethiopia for Three Days, Rescue Operations Underway
Sputnik Africa
The miners were reportedly digging for opal, a mineraloid with unique, beautiful reflections that is widely used in jewelry and other products. Ethiopia is one... 12.02.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-02-12T17:57+0100
2024-02-12T17:57+0100
2024-02-13T09:09+0100
sub-saharan africa
ethiopia
east africa
mining
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accident
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Rescue operations are currently being conducted in a remote community in northern Ethiopia where over than 20 artisanal miners are currently trapped in a cave, the media reported.Three days have passed since a narrow cave crushed on the miners in the opal mineral rich South Wollo Zone. The precise number of stranded miners, who were searching for valuable opal gems, is unknown to local officials, according to the reports.Local officials informed the Western media that the rescue efforts have been hindered by the challenging landscape of the area.Since it is impossible for the miners to gain assistance from machines due to the village's topography, more than 500 residents are reportedly attempting to dig openings for them.Although rescue attempts have been unsuccessful so far, the officials are still optimistic about finding survivors, recalling a previous similar case in which a miner was found alive after being buried in a cave for seven days, the media said.Opal deposits were first discovered in 2008, making Ethiopia the second largest supplier of opals worldwide, according to the reports.In November 2023, officials from the South Wollo Zone acknowledged that the production of opal was hindered due to unrest in the region. The zone reported that the disturbance was adversely affecting the regional economy and the livelihoods of those involved in the industry, the local media said.Zone authorities reportedly stated that in the previous quarter, a total of 6,532 kg of opal were shipped to global markets, generating a value of more than $106,000.Nevertheless, the industry is facing significant challenges due to the absence of a legal framework, a shortage of competent manpower, ongoing conflicts, and a lack of private investment, the local reports claimed.
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ethiopia, east africa, mining, emergency, accident
ethiopia, east africa, mining, emergency, accident
Over 20 Miners Are Reportedly Stuck in Cave in Ethiopia for Three Days, Rescue Operations Underway
17:57 12.02.2024 (Updated: 09:09 13.02.2024) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
The miners were reportedly digging for opal, a mineraloid with unique, beautiful reflections that is widely used in jewelry and other products. Ethiopia is one of the largest exporters, and its opals are prized for their unusual play of color, which features vivid bursts of orange, green and red. However, traditional opal miners risk their lives.
Rescue operations are currently being conducted in a remote community in northern Ethiopia where over than 20 artisanal miners are currently trapped in a cave, the media reported.
Three days have passed since a narrow cave crushed on the miners in the opal
mineral rich South Wollo Zone. The precise number of stranded
miners, who were searching for valuable opal gems, is unknown to local officials, according to the reports.
Local officials informed the Western media that the rescue efforts have been hindered by the challenging landscape of the area.
Since it is impossible for the miners to gain assistance from machines due to the village's topography, more than 500 residents are reportedly attempting to dig openings for them.
Although rescue attempts have been unsuccessful so far, the officials are still optimistic about finding survivors, recalling a previous similar case in which a miner was found alive after being buried in a cave for seven days, the media said.
Opal deposits were first discovered in 2008, making
Ethiopia the second largest supplier of opals worldwide, according to the reports.
In November 2023, officials from the South Wollo Zone acknowledged that the production of opal was hindered due to
unrest in the region. The zone reported that the disturbance was adversely affecting the regional economy and the livelihoods of those involved in the industry, the local media said.
Zone authorities reportedly stated that in the previous quarter, a total of 6,532 kg of opal were shipped to global markets, generating a value of more than $106,000.
Nevertheless, the industry is facing significant challenges due to the absence of a legal framework, a shortage of competent manpower,
ongoing conflicts, and a lack of private investment, the local reports claimed.
