The dead were at a depth of around 100 meters when the accident occurred.
Early analyzes indicate the fire was caused by a short circuit that led to an explosion, police and prosecutors said. One of the mine’s tunnels was quickly engulfed in flames. Thus, one of the worst mining tragedies in modern Peruvian history was a fact.
175 workers were rescued from the mine after the fire broke out, according to mining company Yanaquihua. The gold mine is remote, around ten hours by car from the regional capital, Arequipa.
Peru’s mining industry accounts for over eight percent of the country’s GDP. The country is the largest producer of gold and copper in Latin America, as well as the world’s second largest producer of silver, copper and zinc. Tin, lead and molybdenum also generate large incomes for the South American country.
However, the safety of the mines has been criticized. Last year, 39 people died in mining-related accidents in Peru, according to the country’s Ministry of Mining and Energy.