DR. KIRUSWA, SILLO WITNESS RESCUE OPERATION AT SHINYANGA MINE




President Samia Sends Condolences to Victims of Mining Accident


DC Mtatiro Clarifies Nyandolwa Mine Accident


Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, together with Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Daniel Sillo, visited the scene of the Nyandolwa mining accident, which occurred on August 11, 2025, in Mwongozo Village, Mwenge Ward, Shinyanga Municipal Council. The purpose of their visit was to witness ongoing rescue efforts for miners trapped underground after a mine collapse.


The accident occurred in a licensed mining area owned by a group of small-scale miners known as Wachapakazi, where approximately 25 miners were carrying out repair work in three different gold mining shafts.


During the visit, Dr. Kiruswa conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and delivered a message of sympathy from the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.


“President Samia has sent me to officially deliver her condolences to all the victims of this accident. She is deeply saddened by this incident and is closely following every step of the rescue operation,” said Dr. Kiruswa.


Hon. Sillo stated that the Fire and Rescue Force is working tirelessly to ensure the trapped miners are located as soon as possible. He stressed the importance of adhering to safety procedures in mining operations and urged mine owners across the country to ensure safe working environments for their employees.


Shinyanga District Commissioner, Hon. Julius Mtatiro, who is also on-site, provided an update on the rescue progress and the number of miners present in each shaft when the accident occurred.


Rescue Progress Report

Mtatiro reported that as of August 16, five miners had been rescued, while 20 others remain unaccounted for.


Of those rescued, one died while receiving treatment at the hospital, and another was found dead inside one of the shafts.


Breakdown of miners per shaft is as follows:


Shaft No. 106 (40 meters deep): Six miners were working; four have been rescued, one of whom later died while receiving treatment at Salawe Health Center, while the remaining three are alive.


Shaft No. 103 (130 meters deep): Eleven miners were working; one has been found dead, and search efforts for the rest are ongoing.


Shaft No. 20 (75 meters deep): Eight miners were working, with rescue operations still in progress.



“We must continue fighting until we ensure we get our people out safely. The President has given specific directives which have already been implemented to a large extent, including the deployment of additional manpower from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Fire and Rescue Force,” Mtatiro stated.


He added that the rescue mission is being carried out through close cooperation between government institutions, Barrick Bulyanhulu Mining Company, mining sector experts, and local volunteers.


Despite the emotional strain and operational challenges, hope remains alive as the rescue teams continue working day and night using specialized equipment and expert assistance.


The government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening mining safety regulations, particularly for small-scale miners, to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Families of the victims will continue receiving necessary support and essential services at the mine site.


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