Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, has urged rescue teams to step up efforts to save small-scale miners trapped underground following a collapse at Nyandolwa Gold Mine in Mwongozo Village, Mwenge Ward, Shinyanga District.
Dr. Kiruswa, who visited the scene, said the government is closely monitoring the rescue operations and stressed that the lives of trapped miners must remain the top priority.
“The rescue work continues in close collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Force, mining experts, and local communities. Our aim is to reach those still trapped as quickly as possible,” he said.
The incident, which occurred on August 11, 2025, involved 25 miners who were underground when the collapse happened.
Four miners have been rescued alive, although one later died while receiving treatment at Shinyanga District Hospital. Efforts to rescue the remaining miners are ongoing.
Dr. Kiruswa extended condolences to the victims’ families and urged them to remain patient while the rescue teams work tirelessly.
The government has also pledged to provide technical support and equipment to ensure the operation is conducted safely and efficiently.
Chief Mine Inspector from the Minerals Commission, Engineer Khamisi Kamando, said the accident occurred during repair work on three underground shafts that collapsed while miners were at work.
To reinforce the rescue efforts, a team from Barrick Bulyanhulu Gold Mine has arrived at the site to support the ongoing operation.