Rescue efforts intensify for 9 trapped miners in Erzincan

Nine miners trapped under a massive landslide in Erzincan’s Copler Gold Mine, ushering in urgent rescue efforts and environmental safety alarms

In a devastating landslide at the Copler Gold Mine near the Firat River in Erzincan’s Ilic district, nine workers were tragically trapped under approximately 800 meters of displaced earth.

The landslide, involving a staggering 10 million cubic meters of soil, occurred on Tuesday afternoon, leaving families in tearful, hopeful vigil.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported an extensive search and rescue operation involving 400 people.

During the latest briefing, he provided vital updates on the rescue operation. Yerlikaya stated, “We have no need for additional human resources or personnel. Our assessments show that five of our missing colleagues are in a container, three are in a vehicle in the same area, and one driver is in a truck in another area.”

He elaborated on the conditions at the site, “We are dealing with a mass spread over 100 acres. Our advantage lies within this mass. We have started searching over these masses using metal radar detections. As soon as we receive a signal from these radars about the vehicles and container, we will focus and close in on that area.”

Yerlikaya assured that the rescue operation is being conducted safely by adding, “There is no risk of a landslide where our search and rescue personnel are working. We are committed to conducting the rescue operations without compromising on safety.”

He also expressed gratitude for the media’s effort in covering the incident and mentioned that they are keeping the president constantly informed and following his directives.

Concerns about environmental impact loom, as the landslide contained materials washed with cyanide and sulfuric acid. The mine’s proximity to the Firat River, just 300 meters away, raises fears of contamination.

In response, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change closed the Sabirli Creek culverts to prevent debris from flowing into the Firat River.

The mine, primarily owned by the Canadian firm SSR, has seen a significant drop in stock value, with a 50% decrease in the Toronto Stock Exchange. This decline reflects a $1.3 billion loss in the company’s value.

Previous concerns about the safety of the gold mine have surfaced in light of this tragedy.

The mine had been the subject of warnings from experts, including Mehmet Torun, former head of the Chamber of Mining Engineers.

Despite these warnings and a significant cyanide leak in June 2022, which led to a temporary operation halt and a $530,000 fine, the mine continued to operate, culminating in this disastrous landslide. 

As the search continues, the nation’s focus remains on rescuing the nine miners, hoping to reunite them with their families.

Source: Newsroom