Report:
A landslide occurred during excavation work in the surface lignite mine operated by a private company near the Darkale region of Manisa’s Soma district. Four workers remained underground. A large number of fire brigade, AFAD, UMKE, and gendarmerie teams were dispatched to the mine. Workers Mehmet Seren (30), Uğur Topbaş (33), and Mehmet Arslan (53), who were trapped underground, were rescued by the work of their colleagues and were treated at Soma State Hospital. The lifeless body of Fesih Acar (34), who was buried underground and lost his life, was found 7 hours later. Acar will be buried in his hometown, Muş. Gökay Çakır, Chairman of the Independent Mining Workers’ Union, gave information to Cumhuriyet about the situation of the injured workers. Evaluating the incident as negligence, Çakır reacted to the occupational murders in the mines and stated that the necessary precautions and sanctions should be implemented.
ESG Risks:
1. Health and Safety Risks: The incident highlights the potential risks to the health and safety of workers in the mining industry. Negligence in implementing necessary precautions and sanctions can lead to accidents and occupational deaths.
2. Environmental Risks: The landslide in the surface lignite mine can have adverse environmental impacts, such as soil erosion and contamination of nearby water sources.
3. Governance Risks: The incident raises questions about the governance practices of the private company operating the mine. Failure to ensure worker safety and comply with regulations can harm the company’s reputation and lead to legal and financial consequences.
Vulnerable Groups:
1. Mine Workers: The workers involved in the incident are considered a vulnerable group due to the risks they face while working in hazardous conditions.
Organizations:
1. Private Company: The private company operating the surface lignite mine is responsible for the safety and well-being of its workers. Their negligence in implementing necessary precautions and sanctions can contribute to the ESG risks mentioned above.
2. Independent Mining Workers’ Union: The union, represented by Gökay Çakır, advocates for the rights and safety of mine workers. They play a role in highlighting incidents like this and calling for necessary measures to be taken.
Regions:
1. Darkale region, Manisa’s Soma district: The incident occurred in this region, highlighting the potential risks and impacts on the local community and environment.
2. Muş: The hometown of Fesih Acar, the worker who lost his life in the incident.
Sectors:
1. Mining: The incident directly relates to the mining sector, emphasizing the risks and challenges associated with mining operations.
Keywords:
1. Landslide
2. Excavation work
3. Lignite mine
4. Manisa’s Soma district
5. Workers
6. Occupational safety
7. Negligence
8. Precautions
9. Sanctions
10. Environmental impact
11. Governance
12. Private company
13. Independent Mining Workers’ Union
14. Darkale region
15. Muş
16. Mining sector.