By The Respondent Reporter
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Daniel Sillo, visited Nyandolwa Mine in Shinyanga to witness ongoing rescue efforts following a tragic mining accident that occurred on August 11, 2025.
The incident, which happened at Mwongozo Village in Mwenge Ward, involved a collapse that trapped 25 artisanal miners underground.
The mine site operates under a small-scale mining license owned by a local group known as Wachapakazi. At the time of the accident, miners were conducting repair works in three shafts when a cave-in occurred.
Dr. Kiruswa conveyed condolences on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to the victims’ families, stressing that the Head of State is closely monitoring the situation.
He said President Samia had asked him to personally extend her heartfelt condolences to all those affected and that she is deeply saddened by the tragedy while following all developments in the rescue mission.
Deputy Minister Sillo emphasized that the Fire and Rescue Force is working tirelessly to save those still trapped, while urging mine owners across the country to strengthen safety standards in their operations.
Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro, who has been coordinating updates from the site, confirmed that as of August 16, five miners had been rescued.
Among them, one died while receiving treatment at Salawe Health Centre, while another was recovered dead inside one of the shafts. Twenty miners remain unaccounted for.
Providing further details, Mtatiro explained the distribution of miners in the shafts at the time of the accident.
In Shaft No. 106, which is 40 metres deep, six miners were working; four have been rescued, including one who later died, leaving three survivors.
In Shaft No. 103, which is 130 metres deep, eleven miners were working; one body has been recovered while search operations continue for the remaining ten.
In Shaft No. 20, which is 75 metres deep, eight miners were working, with rescue efforts still ongoing.
Mtatito said the government is committed to exhausting every effort to save lives, noting that President Samia has issued specific directives which are already being implemented, including reinforcement from the Prime Minister’s Office and additional rescue teams from the Fire and Rescue Force.
He added that the mission is being carried out in close collaboration with government institutions, Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine, mining experts, and residents who have volunteered to assist in the operation.
The rescue teams are working around the clock using specialized equipment despite the complex challenges of the operation.
Officials stressed that the government will intensify supervision of safety standards in small-scale mining to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Families of the victims are being provided with assistance and essential services at the site as hope remains alive that more miners will be rescued.
The accident has cast a shadow of grief in Shinyanga, but the determination of the rescue teams and the solidarity of the community remain strong as operations continue.