“A tragedy must not have to happen before action is taken” – the breakdown at Trepça and the miners’ safety

On 7 October in the evening hours, a breakdown occurred at the Tuneli Transformer, specifically in the 35 kV system, as a result of which the electricity supply was cut to the Trepça Flotation Mine in Stan Tërg and to the Flotation Unit, as Telegrafi reports.

At the moment the breakdown occurred, there were 63 miners in the mine, who were on the second shift, which according to plan they would finish at 23:00.

While 54 miners came to the surface via the emergency stairs, 9 of them remained in the mine for hours.

The electricity supply to the Trepça Flotation Mine in Stan Tërg was restored at 02:30, while the 9 remaining miners came to the surface at 02:50.

Trepça further announced that the Flotation Unit has remained out of operation because of the damage caused by the breakdown in the 35 kV transformer.

Technical teams are working to repair the breakdown, including checking and replacing five (5) 6.3 kV protective fuses, as well as other relevant elements of the electrical installation.

Why had the repair process become more difficult?

Trepça announced that the repair process has been made more difficult by the lack of spare parts in the warehouse, as these parts are not currently available in stock.

The announcement says that after the repairs are completed and all technical and safety checks are carried out, the electricity supply will be fully restored and the Flotation Unit put back into operation.

The union: A tragedy must not have to happen before action is taken

After the breakdown at Trepça, the reaction of the Independent Union of Trepça Miners was harsh.

The union expressed deep concern about the case, while 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 about 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The union has continuously raised concerns about working conditions, outdated equipment, emergency routes, occupational risks and the lack of investment in the safety and health of miners,” the reaction said.

Further, the union stresses that miners cannot continue to work every day in fear that a technical defect could endanger their lives.

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

We also ask for urgent investment by the state in the 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 stands the life and health of the miner.

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

After the case, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, also reacted briefly, but without mentioning the danger facing the miners.

“All the miners have come to the surface, the last ones at 02:50 in the morning, after the electricity supply to the mine was restored. The first shift has started work normally.

I thank the teams of Trepça, of KOSTT and everyone who contributed to dealing with the situation,” she wrote briefly on Facebook.

IHDNJ: The life and safety of miners must be a priority

The Institute for Research and Human Rights (IHDNj) expressed concern about the situation created in the Stan Tërg mine.

According to the institute, the miners were spread across horizons 11, 10, 9 and 8, at depths reaching around 645 metres.

“Their life and safety must be the absolute priority. Every minute matters and the rescue operation must be carried out with urgency, professionalism and full coordination,” the IHDNj reaction says.

The IHDNj also asked for a full clarification of the circumstances of the incident, including the causes and the functioning of the safety mechanisms, equipment and procedures.

According to the IHDNj, during their work miners face exposure to dust, gases, heavy physical loads and other risks that can have consequences for their health and safety.

“Miners’ safety cannot become a topic only when an incident happens. It must be guaranteed every day, in every shift and in every metre underground,” it says further.

The IHDNj asked that, after the rescue operation is completed, a full assessment be made of the state of the mine, the equipment, the infrastructure, the emergency routes and the safety procedures.

The institute also asked for full transparency and for concrete measures to be taken to prevent similar cases from being repeated.