Rescue workers in Zambia have freed the first survivor of the December 1 landslide that engulfed an open-pit copper mine and encumbered about 38 people who were working there without a permit.
This was according to the disaster management unit on Wednesday, November 6.
The rescue team had also salvaged two bodies, though they’re yet to be identified, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit revealed in a statement posted on Facebook.
The post disclosed that a 49-year-old man was rescued from the collapsed mine slug dump site in Chingola after being trapped with several other miners.
“He is presently being treated in hospital.”
The Zambian president, Hakainde Hichilema had said on Tuesday that he was hopeful that the entrapped would be rescued alive.
The miners at Seseli Mine in Chingola, were trapped in three locations and heavy rains have d flooded the pit.
The mine was formerly owned by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) but it is now in the hands of a local company that is yet to commence mining operations as it is awaiting safety and environmental approvals.
Rescue workers, including military officials and others from large-scale mining companies, are being careful due to the rain softened ground, to avoid slowing down the operation.
