Out of the hundreds of illegal miners who were trapped under an underground mine belonging to the AngloGold Ashanti, a Ghanaian mining company, 79 have reportedly given themselves up for arrest after enduring hours of being trapped under the collapsed mine.
This follows news on May 30, revealing that some 52 of the trapped miners were arrested for making illegal entry into a mining shaft owned by the aforementioned company.
The newly rescued and arrested illegal miners are said to have made their way out of the trappings into the hands of the police on Tuesday.
A statement by the AngloGold Ashanti indicated that none was injured.
“The individuals, who had entered the underground area without authorisation, walked out of the mine through the main exit point on their own accord and are in the custody of the Ghana Police Service. No injuries were reported.”
The release is dated May 31 and signed by the Managing Director of the mine, Eric Asubonteng.
The mining company has assured the public of its resort to enhance the safety and security of members of the community, illegal miners and employees of the company.
It has also expressed its appreciation to the Ghana Police Service for it’s effort during the operation, while also encouraging illegal miners to make use of the designated exits in the event of endangering incidents as has occurred.
“It is important to reiterate that the main exit ramp from the mine, which is remote from the currently active working areas of the mine, remains open allowing any unauthorised persons underground to exit at any time. Those who may still be underground are strongly encouraged to utilise the designated exit points, where public security personnel remain on standby,” the release stated.
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