Santacruz Silver Mining has reported that an employee was fatally injured at its Tres Amigos mine, part of the Caballo Blanco group of mines, in Bolivia.
A small group of illegal miners unlawfully entered Tres Amigos at a level above where Santacruz Silver was operating and proceeded to use explosives. This caused rockfall on the level below where Santacruz employees were working, and one employee was fatality injured.
Santacruz said safety personnel were immediately notified and followed mine rescue protocols to close the mine, attend to all employees and remove the illegal miners from the area. The mine has since resumed operations.
Arturo Préstamo, executive chairman and CEO commented, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and have extended our deepest condolences and support to the employee’s family. We are providing all necessary assistance to the family and our employees during this difficult time.
“Santacruz has initiated a detailed investigation and is working closely with the local authorities to prevent an incident like this from happening again. The company will consider taking legal against those responsible once the investigation is complete,” Préstamo concluded.
Source: Santacruz Silver Mining