Zambia Mine: Chinese Nationals Among Trapped Miners
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Africa News
Since Monday, a total of seven miners, comprising two Chinese nationals, find themselves stranded in a flooded mine located in Zambia's Copperbelt province.
The individuals were part of the workforce at the Macrolink copper mine owned by a Chinese company in Ndola city, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. They became trapped beneath the ground when water inundated the mine, which is currently in the construction phase.
The Chinese embassy in Zambia stated that it is organizing the deployment of rescue specialists. Macrolink, as reported by Zambia's state broadcaster, had temporarily halted operations at the mine.
Since Monday, a total of seven miners, comprising two Chinese nationals, find themselves stranded in a flooded mine located in Zambia's Copperbelt province.
The individuals were part of the workforce at the Macrolink copper mine owned by a Chinese company in Ndola city, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. They became trapped beneath the ground when water inundated the mine, which is currently in the construction phase.
The Chinese embassy in Zambia stated that it is organizing the deployment of rescue specialists. Macrolink, as reported by Zambia's state broadcaster, had temporarily halted operations at the mine.
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This occurrence follows closely on the heels of a tragic incident just a month ago, where landslides buried numerous miners at Seseli Mine in Chingola, approximately 400 km (250 miles) northwest of the capital, Lusaka.
The whereabouts of approximately 30 miners, who disappeared in the mudslide, remain uncertain as emergency services have been unable to locate them.
Augustine Kasongo, a senior government official in Copperbelt province, reported that only one person has been rescued from the mine that was flooded on Monday.
Efforts are underway by rescue teams to pump water out of the mine, where reports indicate that the seven individuals are trapped approximately 235 meters (771 feet) below the surface.
This occurrence follows closely on the heels of a tragic incident just a month ago, where landslides buried numerous miners at Seseli Mine in Chingola, approximately 400 km (250 miles) northwest of the capital, Lusaka.
The whereabouts of approximately 30 miners, who disappeared in the mudslide, remain uncertain as emergency services have been unable to locate them.
Augustine Kasongo, a senior government official in Copperbelt province, reported that only one person has been rescued from the mine that was flooded on Monday.
Efforts are underway by rescue teams to pump water out of the mine, where reports indicate that the seven individuals are trapped approximately 235 meters (771 feet) below the surface.
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Among those trapped, the two Chinese individuals are identified as the mine supervisor and a controller, while the remaining five are reported to be Zambian staff working at the shaft bottom, as per local media.
In an official statement, the Chinese embassy conveyed its commitment to supplying "dewatering equipment and other essential assistance" to support the ongoing initiatives of the Zambian authorities.
Zambia, a prominent copper producer globally, hosts numerous mines operated by foreign entities. Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema announced plans to implement more rigorous regulations within the industry. The proposed measures aim to prevent Zambians from selling mining licenses to foreigners.
Among those trapped, the two Chinese individuals are identified as the mine supervisor and a controller, while the remaining five are reported to be Zambian staff working at the shaft bottom, as per local media.
In an official statement, the Chinese embassy conveyed its commitment to supplying "dewatering equipment and other essential assistance" to support the ongoing initiatives of the Zambian authorities.
Zambia, a prominent copper producer globally, hosts numerous mines operated by foreign entities. Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema announced plans to implement more rigorous regulations within the industry. The proposed measures aim to prevent Zambians from selling mining licenses to foreigners.
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