Ekeomah Atuonwu
The bodies of four of the eight missing miners have been discovered at a zinc mine in Burkina Faso that flooded more than two months ago, according to the government.
The Perkoa mine, which is owned by the Canadian firm Trevali Mining Corp and is located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of the capital, Ouagadougou, was submerged on April 16 after torrential rain fell unexpectedly during the country’s dry season.
Burkinabe government spokesman Lionel Bilgo confirmed the discovery of the four bodies in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, the lifeless bodies of four miners were discovered after 39 days of intense research,” he said.
The other four are still being sought, according to the statement. Trevali also confirmed the discovery of the four bodies of the missing miners.
On May 18, AEM reported that hopes that the missing men had sought refuge in a mine chamber were dashed when rescue workers revealed there was no one after reaching the room, which is stocked with food and water and is located approximately 570 meters (1,870 feet) below ground.
The company and the government have both launched investigations into the incident’s cause.
Six of the missing men are from Burkina Faso, one from Tanzania, and one from Zambia.
