Indonesia launces search operation for 19 people after landslide at gold mine in Papua

Indonesian rescue teams are searching for 19 individuals missing after heavy rains triggered a landslide at a gold mine in Papua’s easternmost region, officials reported on Monday, Arab News reported. The landslide occurred late Friday in a small-scale mine operated by local residents in the Arfak mountains of West Papua province, according to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency.

The landslide struck temporary shelters used by miners, resulting in at least one death and four injuries, with 19 people still unaccounted for. Around 40 rescuers, including police and military personnel, have been deployed to conduct search efforts.

The operation began on Sunday due to the remote location, which required at least 12 hours of travel to reach, said Yefri Sabaruddin, head of the local rescue team. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged roads, rugged terrain, and adverse weather conditions. Officials warned the death toll could increase.

Small-scale and illegal mining activities frequently cause accidents in Indonesia, where mineral-rich areas are often remote and difficult to monitor. Similar incidents include a landslide at an illegal gold mine in West Sumatra last September that killed at least 15, and another in Sulawesi in July last year that claimed at least 23 lives.