The Government of Badiraguatoin Sinaloa, confirmed the death of one second person in the collapse of an old mine in the mountain area of this municipality.
According to information provided by the city council, one of the deceased was identified as Policarpio Salas Araujo, 50 years old, resident of the Potrero de Tepaca community.
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The other victim of the collapse is Édgar Francisco González Mendoza, 37 years old, who lived in the San Antonio de Mazatlán subdivision.
Relatives of the deceased and three other miners who were trapped and have not been located, commented that the place where the events occurred currently no longer functions as a mine.
Landslide left 5 people trapped
According to relatives, these five people were sampling one of the hills in search of silver, in the El Potrero de Tepaca region.
José Paz López Elenes, mayor of Badiraguato, pointed out that the authorities and rescue bodies, together with citizen volunteers, are continuing the work to locate the other three people.
An accident in a mine in the community of Potrero de Tepaca, located in the mountain area of Badiraguato, left five workers trapped.
The director of the State Institute of Civil Protection, Roy Navarrete Cuevas, confirmed that the report was received this Thursday shortly before 11:00 in the morning, when residents alerted about the collapse of the well in this remote town in the municipality of Santiago de the Knights.
Located approximately an hour and a half from the municipal seat, the place activated a rescue operation.
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The National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) will send a Liaison and Coordination Mission (Eco) in response to the collapse.
Preliminarily, local Civil Protection authorities have reported that there are still three miners trapped.
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How can local communities advocate for safer practices in mining areas?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mining Safety Expert
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re discussing a recent and tragic event in Badiraguato, Sinaloa, where two individuals lost their lives in a mine collapse. To help us understand the situation better, we have Dr. Laura Martinez, an expert in mining safety and risk management. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez.
Dr. Martinez (DM): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, though I wish it were under better circumstances.
E: Indeed. The recent collapse claimed the lives of two miners, Policarpio Salas Araujo and Édgar Francisco González Mendoza. Can you tell us what typically leads to such tragedies in abandoned mines?
DM: Absolutely. Abandoned mines can pose significant risks due to unstable structures, weakened walls, and a lack of regular inspections. Over time, weathering and natural erosion can further compromise the integrity of these sites. Unfortunately, many miners continue to work in these locations despite the risks, often due to economic necessity.
E: That’s a crucial point. The local government confirmed that the area where the collapse occurred is no longer officially designated as a functioning mine. What implications does this have for the safety oversight in such regions?
DM: When an area is no longer classified as an active mining site, it typically falls outside regulatory oversight. This means there are fewer safety checks, no official monitoring, and often, no emergency response plans in place. It puts individuals at extreme risk, especially if they’re operating in what is essentially a hazardous environment without proper safeguards.
E: I see. In the aftermath of this tragedy, there are reports of three other miners who remain unaccounted for. What protocols should be followed in such rescue operations?
DM: In rescue operations, time is of the essence. Qualified rescue teams should be mobilized immediately, equipped with the right tools to ensure safety while attempting to locate any trapped individuals. They must also assess the stability of the collapsed structure before entering. Communication with families and the community is essential throughout this process to provide updates and reduce anxiety.
E: Safety measures are crucial. What do you think communities in similar regions can do to improve safety around abandoned mines?
DM: Communities must advocate for and engage in safety awareness campaigns. It’s vital to educate miners about the risks and organize community monitoring that can alert authorities about any unsafe practices. Local governments should also collaborate with mining experts to develop safe closure plans for abandoned sites and consider repurposing them for safe community use.
E: That sounds like a constructive approach. what long-term changes do you think are necessary at the policy level to prevent tragedies like this from occurring again?
DM: There needs to be a comprehensive reevaluation of mining regulations. Policymakers should enforce stricter safety standards for both active and abandoned mines. Investing in community education, a robust monitoring system, and emergency response training can help significantly. Furthermore, economic alternatives to mining must be explored to reduce reliance on these hazardous jobs.
E: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights. This discussion highlights the need for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight in mining areas, especially in communities struggling with economic challenges.
DM: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations going to prevent further tragedies.
E: Absolutely. You’ve been watching Time.news, and we’ll continue to follow developments in Badiraguato and advocate for safer mining practices. Thank you for tuning in.