Open-pit Gold Mine Collapse In Venezuela Leaves Dozens Feared Dead
Open-pit gold mine collapse in Venezuela leaves dozens feared dead. The illicitly operated open-pit gold mine in central Venezuela suffered the collapse, resulting in the death of at least 14 people and causing injuries to several others, state authorities reported on Wednesday.
Author:Elisa MuellerReviewer:Camilo WoodFeb 23, 20245.6K Shares91.8K Views
Open-pit gold mine collapse in Venezuela leaves dozens feared dead. The illicitly operated open-pit gold mine in central Venezuela suffered the collapse, resulting in the death of at least 14 people and causing injuries to several others, state authorities reported on Wednesday. Bolivar state Governor Angel Marcano informed local media that rescue teams had recovered 14 bodies thus far, with reports of at least 11 individuals sustaining injuries. Additionally, there are concerns about the possibility of others being trapped, although the exact number remains uncertain.
"We continue to carry out rescue work," he said, with relatives demanding swift rescue efforts.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Angostura municipality, where a wall collapsed at the Bulla Loca mine, accessible only after an hours-long boat journey. Late Tuesday, Angostura Mayor Yorgi Arciniega expressed concerns about the potential for a higher death toll, mentioning plans to transport around 30 caskets to a nearby community. Relatives of the miners gathered in La Paragua, the nearest settlement to the mine, urging the government to dispatch aircraft to assist in rescuing the injured and retrieving the bodies from the remote site.
"We are here waiting, please, for the government to support us with helicopters, planes, anything," said Karina Ríos, whose daughter's father was trapped in the collapse. "There are quite a few dead, there are people wounded. Why don’t they give us support, where are they?"
Ríos expressed concern about the rapid decomposition of bodies due to the harsh conditions in the area. In 2016, Venezuela's government established a vast mining development zone spanning the country's midsection to diversify revenue streams alongside the oil industry. Since then, mining activities for gold, diamonds, copper, and other minerals have flourished both within and outside the designated zone.
Numerous mines operate unlawfully or on the fringes of legality, offering lucrative employment opportunities for ordinary Venezuelans despite the harsh working conditions. Survivor Carlos Marcano, aged 71, recounted arriving at a triage medical tent in La Paragua on Wednesday after enduring the harrowing collapse at the mine, describing the situation there as "terrifying."
"One would not want a colleague, a human being, to die like that," he said. "Some of us made it. There are a few wounded, but there are still a number of dead who have not been rescued and are buried there."
Egar Colina, a security official within the Bolivar state government, emphasized the need for caution and mentioned that additional state authorities were en route to La Paragua to provide updates on the death toll.
Bolivar, a region cloaked in forests, has long grappled with illegal mining operations targeting gold and other minerals. In recent years, the scope of informal mining activities, often under the control of criminal syndicates, has expanded, extending even to Canaima National Park, a pristine area straddling the Venezuela-Brazil border. La Paragua lies less than 40 miles from the park's boundaries.
Elisa Mueller
Author
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
Camilo Wood
Reviewer
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
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