Woman Dies After Collapsed Abandoned Gold Mining Shaft in Bondo
Such activities still constitute a considerable risk, especially during the quest for minerals from old or abandoned shafts.
Gold Mining Site. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
According to reports, the unfortunate incident occurred in Bondo Sub-County, where a woman met her death after an abandoned gold mining shaft collapsed upon her near Nango Trading Centre. The deceased, known as Margaret Achuth Ligondo, said to be in her late forties, had reportedly gone into the abandoned pit to try her luck at gold mining when the pit suddenly caved in, burying her alive. The place of mining was abandoned long ago due to safety issues and a history of significant accidents.
Assistant Chief of Uyawi Sub-Location, Joshua Ougo, said that the public found the accident and reported it to the local leaders without delays, saying that the local authorities were informed after the bystanders had already retrieved the body. A representative from the Kopolo Police Post was also present. They later took the body to Bondo Sub-County mortuary, where it is set to be preserved until after the postmortem inquest to determine the cause of death.
The incident has rekindled concern on the need for safety measures around abandoned mining sites in the area, particularly after heavy rains when such old shafts become very unstable. Assistant Chief Mr. Ougo warned artisanal miners and the general public against entering such pits without proper authorization and precautions: “these abandoned shafts are very dangerous, and going into them puts lives in serious danger”.
Mr. Ougo instructed the owner of the abandoned mining site to take precautions immediately to avert any further tragedy. He suggested proper fencing and securing the area against unwarranted access, noting that the site has already witnessed at least four incidents leading to death. The repeated accidents call for greater regulation and enforcement of destructive mining safety regulations in Bondo and its surroundings.
Local inhabitants and authorities have raised concerns over informal and artisanal mining methods that operate without proper safety protocols and regulatory supervision. Such activities still constitute a considerable risk, especially during the quest for minerals from old or abandoned shafts.
The tragic death of Margaret Ligondo should serve as a chilling reminder of the potential for death in unregulated mining. Authorities have promised to ramp up awareness campaigns to educate community members on the dangers of entering abandoned mining sites. They will also work with mine owners and local leaders to secure hazardous sites against any further incidents.
While investigations continue, local administrators hope that stringent safety measures and training of community members can effectively reduce accidents and safeguard residents from the secret threats posed by abandoned mining operations.
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