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| Gold mining in PNG |
Search efforts halted by weather; illegal mining risks highlighted again
A landslide triggered by torrential rains has killed six miners and left 14 others missing at a small-scale gold mine in Indonesia’s West Papua province, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB). The incident occurred Friday in the Arfak Mountains, but continued rainfall forced search operations to be suspended Monday.
The death toll was revised from an earlier report of one dead and 19 missing. Four others were reported injured in the collapse, which destroyed temporary shelters used by local miners.
Challenging terrain hampers rescue efforts
Search and rescue operations have been severely constrained by damaged roads, steep mountainous terrain, and ongoing adverse weather, said Yefri Sabaruddin, leader of the 40-member rescue team that includes police and military personnel. Reaching the remote site requires a 12-hour journey from the nearest town.
The search is set to resume Tuesday, weather permitting. Officials have warned the number of casualties could increase as more debris is cleared.
Illegal mining safety under scrutiny
The disaster highlights the ongoing dangers of illegal and small-scale mining in Indonesia, where mineral-rich remote regions lack regulatory oversight and infrastructure. The site affected was reportedly operated informally by local residents.
Indonesia has a history of similar accidents. In September 2024, at least 15 people died in an illegal gold mine collapse in West Sumatra. In July 2024, a landslide at a Sulawesi gold mine killed 23 people.
Authorities continue to urge caution and seek improved regulation of mining activities in isolated and high-risk regions.
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