Gold mine collapse in Suriname leaves at least 10 dead, authorities say

PARAMARIBO, Suriname — No less than 10 individuals died after an unlawful gold mine collapsed Monday within the South American nation of Suriname, authorities stated.

Police, navy officers and rescue crews had been dispatched to the mine, which is situated within the nation’s rural southern area. The miners are believed to have constructed their very own tunnels to seek for gold, a standard incidence in Suriname, officers stated.

It wasn’t instantly clear what prompted the collapse.

“There’s nonetheless lots of uncertainty,” stated President Chan Santokhi. “It is vital that we now get the scenario beneath management.”

Santokhi was attending a authorities price range assembly when the incident occurred, forcing him to interrupt these talking saying, “One thing horrible is occurring.”

Suriname is understood for its gold mines, with U.S. and Canadian firms closely invested in such operations. Casual gold mining additionally has elevated in recent times.