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August 21, 2006
Burkina Faso News in Brief
Latest News on the Gorom-Gorom Floods.
Gold Mine Collapses: A gold mine in Poura the south of Burkina Faso has collapsed, killing at least 5 people, and trapping up to 50 others, more than 30m down. It seems that dynamite, used to break apart rock in which gold nuggets are found, was at the cause of the collapse.
Isaac Sawadogo, one of those working on the mine at the time said : "on the day of the collapse, people exploded detonators. A short time afterwards, we went down again to dig using pickaxes and chisels. Around 10 a.m., the top suddenly collapsed, causing a deafening noise. Two colleagues and I, only half-buried, were pulled out without great problem, six were found wounded and three were pulled out already dead." The rescue effort continues. It is not known how many people are still trapped but, 3 days later, not much hope is being held out for their survival. The mining has been unauthorised since the mine was officially closed down in 1999, but local people using traditional mining methods continue to search the site.
President Compaore hosts Togo talks. Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore continues to develop his role on the international stage in the region by hosting talks that led to an accord in Togo. This agreement between Togo's government and six political parties is aimed at ending years of turmoil in the country.
Tags: burkina faso africa burkina mining gorom flood emergency aid crisis gorom-gorom togo politics gold
Posted by Keith at August 21, 2006 07:51 AM