Blast kills five trespassers at PNG gold mine

[News_Editor]

Blast kills five trespassers at PNG gold mine

2012-03-07 06:48:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

ENGA, Papua New Guinea (BNO NEWS) -- Five people who illegally entered a large gold mine in Papua New Guinea were killed in a routine blast during the weekend, the mine operator reported on Tuesday. Three survivors were arrested and charged.

The accident happened at around 5.25 a.m. local time on Saturday when mine operator Barrick Niugini Ltd., which is internationally known as Barrick Gold, carried out a routine blast at the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga province. The mine is one of the top producing gold mines in the world.

Barrick said its local staff were alerted by an injured trespasser who said others were missing in the mine, after which a search-and-rescue operation led to the discovery of five bodies. "We deeply regret this loss of life - it tragically demonstrates that the mine is not a safe place to be for unauthorized persons," said Greg Walker, the executive general manager of Barrick Niugini Ltd.

'The National' newspaper reported that a group of eight people had illegally entered the mine to look for gold. Five of them were killed in the routine blast while the three survivors were later taken into custody and charged with trespassing. At least one of the survivors was injured.

"I extend my condolences to the families of those who died but, time and time again, we have been warning the people that blasts are always going on," Enga Governor Peter Ipatas told 'The National'. "When it comes to mining companies, they use chemicals which are dangerous. They use explosives which are dangerous."

Local police officials said two of the victims were from the town of Laiagam while a third victim was from nearby Porgera.

"These people were in the wrong place. The mining company has been mandated by law to do mining. They give sufficient warning and clear the blast area," Ipatas was quoted as saying by the newspaper. "These people were willing to put their lives at risk for gold. They have paid the ultimate price. While I extend my sympathies, this should be a warning to everybody who wants to trespass at the mine and do illegal mining."

In August 1994, eleven people were killed when a blast destroyed the Dyno Wesfarmers explosives factory at the Porgera Gold Mine. The powerful blast, which left a crater 40 meters (131 feet) wide and 15 meters (49 feet) deep, damaged property up to 2 kilometers (1.2 mile) away. Several government investigations failed to determine the exact cause of the accident.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-03-07

[miksguevara]

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