One illegal miner killed in Antam?s ex-mining tunnel
Friday, May 24 2013 - 01:41 AM WIB
One illegal miner was killed and five others injured when a tunnel at the former underground gold mining operation of PT Antam in Bogor, West Java collapsed, the company said in a statement obtained Friday.
The company said that its emergency response team and the local police managed to evacuate all victims.
The accident occurred in one of the tunnels operated by illegal miners near the level 700 Ciurug gold vein which is no longer in operations and is used as ventilation tunnel. The 60 cm-wide illegal miners tunnel is located 25 meters below the surface. The tunnel collapsed as there were no tunnel reinforcements.
Antam explained it has been improving its strategy to reduce illegal mining activities, the bulk of which are performed in the national park neighboring the Pongkor gold mine. ?The strategy includes proactive community development and social responsibility programs, including improvement of local economies, as well as increased communities approach with the support of local government officials, key community leaders and law enforcement personnel,? the statement said..
None of Antam?s facilities were damaged by the accident. Antam?s gold mining and smelter continue to operate normally.
Antam said it will continue to improve its efforts to prevent similar accidents to occur in the future through improvement of security measures in the areas surrounding the Gold Mining Business Unit. Antam also continues to warn local communities about the dangers of illegal mining.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak