FIVE people were found dead in the Porgera gold mine last Saturday after a routine blast underground, mine operator Barrick Niugini Ltd reported yesterday.
The company said in a statement that following a scheduled blast at 5.25am, an injured man alerted mine staff that “other trespassers who had been with him in the underground mine complex were missing”. 
A subsequent search and rescue operation by mine staff led to the discovery of five deceased persons.

“We deeply regret this loss of life – it tragically de­monstrates that the mine is not a safe place to be for unauthorised persons,” Greg Walker, the executive general manager of Barrick Niugini Ltd, said.
“Our thoughts are with the community after this tragic loss. We must work together to prevent this happening again.”

The five bodies were transported to Porgera’s Paiam Hospital.
They are yet to be identified.
It is believed the men were part of a group of eight people who had trespassed into mine to look for gold.
The company understands that the other persons located in the vicinity of the incident have been arrested and charged by police.
Enga police reported that two of the deceased are from Laiagam and one is from Porgera but the other two are yet to be identified.
The mine management and the police have launched an investigation into the incident and the matter was immediately reported to the PNG Mines Inspectorate.
Enga Governor Peter Ipatas said last night:

“I extend my condolences to the families of those who died but, time and time again, we have been warning the people that blasts are always going on.

“When it comes to mining companies, they use chemicals which are dangerous. They use explosives which are dangerous.

“These people were in the wrong place. The mining company has been mandated by law to do mining. They give sufficient warning and clear the blast area.
“These people were willing to put their lives at risk for gold. They have paid the ultimate price.

“While I extend my sympathies, this should be a warning to everybody who wants to trespass at the mine and do illegal mining.”