63 miners had been left trapped, Trepça Miners’ Union: A tragedy must not be awaited, this case is an alarm for safety

Following the breakdown at Trepça, where 63 miners had been left trapped for several hours, the Independent Union of Trepça Miners reacted today.

The Union has expressed deep concern over the case, stressing that no one should wait for a tragedy to happen and only then react.

“We, as the Independent Union of Trepça Miners, express our deep concern over the situation created in the mine, where the miners remained trapped in the depths underground. This case is a serious alarm about the state of safety at Trepça and must not pass in silence.

The Union has continuously raised concerns about working conditions, outdated equipment, emergency routes, professional risks and the lack of investment in miners’ safety and health,” the reaction says.

The Union further stresses that miners cannot continue to work every day in fear that a technical defect could endanger their lives.

“We demand from the responsible institutions a full and transparent investigation of the case, the determination of responsibilities and an urgent assessment of the condition of the equipment, infrastructure, emergency routes and safety systems in the mine.

We also demand urgent investment by the state in miners’ safety. Statements and reactions only after incidents are not enough.

The media are responsibly reflecting the miners’ voice, but the media cannot be the only ones to react. The institutions must act,” it says further.

The Union also stresses that Trepça may be a strategic asset of Kosovo, but above every asset stand the miner’s life and health.

“Let us not wait for the next incident to turn into a tragedy. Now is the moment for action! Thank you to everyone who sympathises with us miners!” the reaction says. /Telegrafi/