Trevali Mining said it has sent in mine rescue teams to search for eight of its workers after heavy rainfall flooded its Perkoa underground zinc operation in Burkina Faso.
The company, which issued a report on the incident over the weekend but has not offered an update since, reported that it evacuated the Sanguie province mine after the flooding that began during the early morning hours of 16 April.
The incident was reported to the Burkinabe authorities, it said, and both mining and milling operations have been suspended.
Ricus Grimbeek, president and CEO, said its current focus is on search and rescue. He did not release the identities of any of the missing.
“We will provide further updates as the situation unfolds and we determine the cause of the flooding event. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues that have been impacted,” he said.
Vancouver, Canada-based Trevali owns 90% of Perkoa, which has been in commercial operation since 2013.
Source: Trevali Mining