Nine Illegal Gold Miners Die Buried in Landslide in West Sumatra

Padang, VIVA – Nine miners, suspected of conducting illegal gold mining activities, died after being buried in a landslide in Koto VII district, Sijunjung Regency, on Thursday, 14 May at 12.30 WIB.

“Based on our coordination, there are nine victims out of the 12 miners who were at the location during the incident,” said the Head of Public Relations of the West Sumatra (Sumbar) Regional Police, Commissioner Susmelawati Rosya, in Padang City, Friday.

Fortunately, three miners survived the landslide. Meanwhile, the other nine were declared dead.

According to information gathered by the West Sumatra Police, there was a cliff about 30 meters from the location of the incident. It is suspected that while they were working, the cliff suddenly collapsed and hit the victims.

The nine illegal gold miners were found gradually. At around 3:00 PM, the police and local residents managed to find and evacuate five victims. The other four were found in the afternoon.

“When they were found, the families immediately took the bodies to their respective homes for burial,” she said.

She said that the Regional Police and the West Sumatra Provincial Government have continued to strive and are committed to overcoming the problem of illegal mining. Various preventive efforts, appeals, education, and on-site enforcement of illegal activities have also been carried out.

“This month, we also conducted a large-scale operation in Sawahlunto City, Solok and Pasaman. We have made all efforts, including finding a permanent solution to this problem,” she said.

However, several times the police went to the field, officers did not find any illegal mining activities. But, after the operation, the illegal gold miners returned to their activities.

“Yes, this is the dilemma of illegal mining,” she said.

The West Sumatra Police has not yet detailed the identities of the victims. (Ant)