Why Abandoned Mines Pose A Community Risk
If you’ve been following the news, you’ll have some knowledge of the abandoned quarry mine in the northern region of KwaZulu Natal in the city of uMhlathuze. There have been hundreds of people who have flocked to this site despite warnings from emergency service units
When you look at the statistics, you’ll notice thousands of abandoned mines like this one. However, you’re likely unaware of the grave risks of these mines in the local communities. Read on to learn about the dangers of abandoned mines and how communities can ensure safety in these areas.
How Communities are Affected
Abandoned mines in South Africa have become a massive problem for many communities. Yet, the government and mine owners haven’t done much to resolve these issues. When you drive through the communities surrounding these mines, you’ll realise how far-reaching the risks are.
The most common hazards affecting most of these communities nationwide include the following.
- Contaminated water.
- Threat of tunnels collapsing.
- Exposure to poisonous gasses.
- Dangers of rock falls.
- Drowning from water filling the abandoned quarries.
The risks of these mines are more significant than what you can imagine. More and more people are exposed to the dangers in these areas. Since mining companies fail to restore these areas, it exposes communities to preventable hazards.
Fatalities for Communities
According to research, abandoned mines have become a source of unstructured income for some South Africans. With the community members within these areas have decided to become informal artisanal miners. They use limited tools to dig up any leftover resources to make a living.
However, since abandoned mines lack safety and health regulations, the fatality risks increase for most miners. Hundreds of these artisanal miners have died because of the following.
- Gas poisoning.
- Explosive accidents.
- Collapsing tunnels.
Safety Tips for Communities
While the government and mining companies are responsible for the safety of communities in these parts of the country, it’s crucial for community leaders and community services to provide efficient measures to reduce the risksFollowing these safety tips can help reduce the hazards that threaten the lives of thousands of South Africans.
- Members of the community must stay clear of any abandoned mine.
- Avoid unsupervised digging of resources.
- Reduce exposure to any water sources around the mine.
- Alert community leaders of any potential dangers such as landslides and rock-falling.
- Contact community services for health and safety-related concerns.
The fact is that abandoned mines continue to be a risk for many communities nationwide. Community leaders must work with disaster management and community services to increase safety measures. With the iER App, it’s easier for help to reach mining communities within rural areas and to access immediate emergency assistance when needed.