AngloGold Ashanti has announced that it has retrieved the body of a miner who was trapped together with others in an underground mining pit after 11 days.

“It is with great sadness that AngloGold Ashanti reports that the miner, missing after a geotechnical event at the Obuasi mine on Tuesday, 18 May 2021 has unfortunately passed away. His body was discovered on Saturday, 29 May by mine rescue teams,” AngloGold Ashanti said in a statement.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of our deceased colleague. May his soul rest in peace. Our gratitude goes to the mine rescue teams for their efforts over this period,” it said.

The statement indicated that a thorough investigation into the incident had been initiated.

It also noted that its underground mining activities which were suspended following the incident will remain suspended.

“A thorough investigation into the incident has been initiated. As previously1 announced underground mining activities were voluntarily suspended at the time of the incident and will remain so pending an in-depth area-by-area assessment of the mine design, mine schedule, and ground management plans, before progressively releasing mining areas for a phased resumption in production”.