The death toll from a devastating landslide at an illegal gold mine on Indonesia’s central island of Sulawesi has risen to 23, local rescue officials reported on Tuesday. An additional 35 people are still unaccounted for as search and rescue teams continue to comb through the debris.
The tragedy occurred in a remote village in the Bone Bolango regency of Gorontalo province just after midnight on Saturday, following heavy downpours that loosened the soil on the mountainous terrain. The torrential rains triggered a massive landslide that engulfed the unlicensed mining site, burying miners and equipment under tons of mud and rock.
Rescuers are facing challenging conditions due to the steep terrain and unstable ground caused by continuous rainfall. Efforts are ongoing to locate survivors, but hopes are fading as time passes.
Unlicensed mines are common across Indonesia’s mineral-rich archipelago. Economic hardships drive locals to seek fortunes in these abandoned or illegal mines, often without proper safety measures or equipment. These sites are notorious for hazardous working conditions, leading to frequent accidents and casualties.
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of gold and other valuable minerals. However, the lure of quick wealth in unregulated mines poses a persistent challenge for authorities. Efforts to clamp down on illegal mining have met with limited success, as the practice is deeply ingrained in some rural economies.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and increased awareness of the dangers associated with illegal mining activities. As families await news of their loved ones, the nation mourns yet another tragedy in the mining sector.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
