During the opening ceremony of the International Congress of Prospectors and Explorers - proEXPLO 2023, a minute of silence was observed for the 27 workers who died in an accident at a mining company in the Arequipa region.

Juan Carlos Ortiz, vice-president of the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers, prior to the opening speech, regretted the death of the workers and called for greater awareness and respect for the health and safety of employees to avoid fatal accidents.

"At this difficult moment, we join in a minute of silence for the disappearance of our brother workers, sending our condolences to their families to help them cope with this situation and our prayers that they may find eternal rest," he said.

"Our mining industry, committed to the integrity of our people, is working hard to ensure that these unfortunate events do not happen again. Therefore, a multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary effort is needed to strengthen occupational safety inspection," he said.

Recently, 27 workers lost their lives as a result of a fire at the Yanaquihua mining company in Arequipa, which occurred at midnight on May 5, the causes of which are still under investigation.

The company reported that the deceased belonged to a contractor company specialized in mining services and that 175 workers were evacuated and are out of danger, thanks to the activation of the contingency plan shortly after the incident.

"We express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our deceased brothers and assure our full cooperation and support at this tragic and painful time. We thank the regional and police authorities for their cooperation and we are at their disposal for any investigation that may be necessary," the company informed.

He also indicated that they will soon be sharing more information about the accident, together with the authorities who are present at the scene.

"At this time of great sorrow, we prioritize support for the bereaved and the rescued workers. In the following hours and days we will provide more information as soon as it becomes available," concluded Minera Yanaquihua.

Minem provides support

For its part, the Ministry of Energy and Mines informed that it has been coordinating actions with the authorities of Yanaquihua and with the private sector, represented by the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE), to assist with the search and rescue operations being carried out by the company and the National Police.

Likewise, Minem has arranged for liaison personnel from the General Directorate of Mining Formalization (DGFM) to go to the mining unit, accompanying the team from the Arequipa Regional Management of Energy and Mines.

" Minem expresses its solidarity and condolences to the families and relatives of the workers who died while working for the company Minera Yanaquihua SAC MYSAC, which operates in the province of Condesuyos, Arequipa region," it communicated.

proEXPLO 2023: Discovering the mining of the future