"Burkina Faso investigates mine flood as rescue efforts continue", 2 May 2022

Burkina Faso’s government has launched a judicial investigation into a flood at a zinc mine as efforts to rescue eight trapped workers enter a third week...

Canada-based Trevali Mining Corp has suspended operations at the mine, located 100km (60 miles) from the capital Ouagadougou, as search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

Burkina Faso Prime Minister Albert Ouedraogo said that managers of the mine have been banned from leaving the country while investigations are under way into the cause of the accident.

“Precautionary measures have been taken to prevent the persons in charge of the mine from leaving the country and instructions have been given firmly to the Minister of Security for this,” a statement from the PM’s office said on Monday.

...Ouedraogo blamed “irresponsibility” by those in charge at the mine. He alleged that several days before the accident “dynamite was used on the open-air [part of the] mine, which weakened the [underground] gallery and enabled the flooding”.

The families of six miners have filed cases against persons unknown for attempted manslaughter, endangering life and failing to assist a person in danger.

The mining company, Trevali, said it had received no official communication but was aware of the prime minister’s comments...

“Trevali continues to work at maximum capacity, 24 hours a day, to locate the missing workers,” he added...

The company said it is also investigating the cause of the accident.