THE Ministry of Natural Resources has expressed condolences to relatives of 11-year-old Tyrone Tyrel DeSouza, who was killed in a mining pit in the Fish Creek Backdam area in the North West District on Thursday.

The ministry in a press statement noted that the event was a great cause of concern for Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and the Natural Resources Ministry.
Reports indicate that the child, as part of a group of children, ventured onto a mining claim owned by miner Terrence Yarde and started an illegal search for gold.

This resulted in the collapse of the pit covering the child and tragically leading to his death.
“Raiding and illegal mining remains significant problems in the sector and this death only reinforces the resulting dangers of these. It is high time persons understand these dangers and deter from doing such acts,” the ministry noted.

The ministry continued: “Mines safety remains avid to the interest of the ministry and as such, we continue to look into mining deaths that result from these practices. An investigation has since been launched into this matter. The minister and the ministry extend sincerest condolences to the family of the child.”

According to reports, the owner of the pit ceased work on December 27, and left the area along with his crew.

After they had left, DeSouza and nine of his friends entered the pit and began scouring for gold. Their digging reportedly weakened a section of the structure, which collapsed, pinning DeSouza.

The boy’s friends eventually managed to pull him out. He was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
There is no indication that the lads will be charged, although they were on the claim illegally.

The Ministry of Natural Resources had recorded 14 mining deaths up to October of this year.