Rescuers not giving up hope of finding mine survivors

Indonesian gold mine disaster sparks calls for crackdown on 'widspread' illegal activity.

A rescue team recovers the body of a miner killed in landslide at an illegal gold mine in North Sulawesi province, Indonesia on Feb. 27. (Photo supplied by Sutopo Purwo Nugroho)

Jakarta:  This week’s deadly landslide at a gold mine in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province should be a catalyst for the government to crack down on illegal mining and people behind such practices, according to church activists, as rescuers continued to frantically search for people buried in the disaster.

At least eight people were confirmed dead with 33 still missing on March 1, three days after the landslide in Bolaang Mongondow district on Feb. 26. Another 19 people were seriously injured.

It is not clear how many people were in the mine at the time of the landslide, with some reports putting the figure at about 100, while others said about 80.

Father Alsis Goa Wonga, director of the Franciscan Commission of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation said the government needs to act fast in reviewing this kind of practice to prevent a repeat tragedy.

The government has the power to stop it because people who work in these mines are generally backed by government officials and security forces, he said.

“It is impossible for an illegal mine like this to operate for a long time without their support," he said.

Melky Nahar, a Catholic activist and campaign manager of the Mining Advocacy Network, said illegal mining is widespread in Indonesia and accidents are common.

He said two people died at the same site last year, the news of which was brushed under the carpet.

"These illegal mines are flourishing because they have no obligation to pay taxes and are operated by those who feel they have no obligation to care for the environment," he said.

He said, Mining Advocacy Network research discovered that a number of sites are backed by mining companies, who want to avoid legal obligations.

He called on the government to take serious action before it kills more people are killed.

More than 200 rescue workers were still searching for people who may be trapped in the mine, National Disaster Management Agency spokesman, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said on Feb. 28.

Rescuers were initially having to use their bare hands to remove soil and mud as conditions were not stable, and there were fears of triggering another landslide, he said.

Heavy equipment was about to be used as time was running out for those who might still be alive, he added.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has sent three mine inspectors to conduct inspections and assist in the rescue.

Source: UCAN