U/E/R: Two Killed In Mining Pit

The Yenyeya and Pabortaaba mining groups operating in the Upper East region have confirmed the death of two of its workers in an accident on its site on Monday.

The two, Jonathan Tengbil and Solomon Toshongba were reportedly hit by some large boulders as they watered a working area yesterday.

In a press release, the company said the victims were rushed to the regional hospital in Bolgatanga where they were pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Meanwhile, the company says it has launched an investigation into the matter to ensure safety on the mine.

In the past, frequent deaths of miners in pits in the area have been recorded.

Seventeen illegal miners were trapped and killed between 2017 and 2019 in the area as they attempted using illegal pits to steal gold ore.

HOLDING STATEMENT ON MINE ACCIDENT AT THE YENYEYA AND PUBORTAABA MINES, GBANE

We are deeply saddened to confirm that two of our employees, Messrs Tengbil Jonathan and Tohsongba Solomon, unfortunately, died following an accident that occurred in their working area at Vertical Shaft 2, Level 3.

The incident occurred on Monday 18th November 2019 when the two were watering a working area at 3346 Stope to wash down dust and gasses so as to prepare the area for work.

In the course of watering the area, heavy, large boulders that unknowingly hang above fell on them being as loose body.

They were subsequently trapped in the muck.

Other members of their crew reported the incident and immediately, the company's emergency procedures were activated. Safety personnel and rescue teams went to the scene and carried out rescue work.

Upon rescue, they were taken to the Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga where they were pronounced dead by a medical officer and have since been taken to the hospital's morgue for preservation pending autopsy.

The families of the two deceased workers are yet to be officially informed.

An investigation has been launched within the mine.

In line with the requirements of LI 2182, the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission has been informed and a detailed investigation is expected to be conducted soon.

We are cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure that due processes are followed.

In the meantime, we assure our staff and our public that we shall review our procedures and will put in place any recommendations from the authorities to ensure that this does not happen again.

The Yenyeya and Pubortaaba Mining Groups, together with our service provider, Shaanxi Mining (Ghana) Ltd, deeply regret this accident and express our condolences to the families and relations of late Tengbil Jonathan and Tohsongba Solomon.

…Signed…

Maxwell Wooma

Public Relations Officer

0245285158

—citinewsroom