LIBERIA’S Mines Minister, Wilmot Paye, revealed on Tuesday that several individuals lost their lives in an accident at an abandoned gold mine in River Cess County, marking a tragic incident in the West African nation.
Minister Paye disclosed that seven fatalities were reported from the incident that occurred on Monday night. However, he cautioned that an exact death toll could not be determined until a response team reached the site, located in south-central Liberia.
‘I was told that seven persons died, but I can’t say much until the team gets there. The mines had been abandoned several months ago,’ Minister Paye told Reuters. He further mentioned the lack of information regarding the company responsible for operating the site.
‘If we get the details of the company, the law will take its course,’ Paye assured, underscoring the importance of accountability in the mining sector.
Liberia, despite being endowed with abundant mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, and iron ore, remains one of the world’s poorest countries. Minister Paye, however, refrained from providing specifics about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by the mining industry in Liberia, where safety regulations and oversight are critical for the protection of workers and communities.
As investigations into the nature and causes of the accident continue, authorities are poised to take necessary actions to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the mining sector.