KARONGI- Officials in Twumba Sector warned local miners to observe requisite protective measures after quarry buckled claiming two miners lives.

"It’s unfortunate that the accident occurred and this should be a lesson to us all to prevent more deaths in the future,” Nicolas Karasanyi, the sector Executive Secretary, said.

The death of the miners, 28 year old Aminadab Mbakuriyemo, and 51 year old Boniface Nyirinkindi, comes hardly a week after a mudslide claimed an entire family in Nyabihu District.

The two were mining Cassiterite, a tin oxide mineral.
Hundreds of relatives and friends turned up to comfort the bereaved families during a funeral service over the weekend.

It is alleged that the two miners were not permitted to work in the quarry owned by Bay View Group; a US investment firm mining in the area.

Bill Quam, the company’s country manager told The New Times yesterday that efforts are underway to avoid such accidents.

"We are closely working with local authorities to ensure that miners do not die when it can be prevented,” Quam said.

He disclosed intentions to renew his company’s contract with the government when it runs out before the end of the year.

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