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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has revealed that the group of miners who were recently rescued after being trapped underground for 17 days endured extreme physical and emotional hardship during the period of their confinement.

According to accounts gathered following the successful rescue operation, the miners exhausted all available options to create an escape route from the underground shaft after becoming trapped on 3rd May 2026. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find a way out and gradually became physically weakened and emotionally distressed as days passed without certainty about their fate.

The Ministry reports that at one of the most difficult moments during the ordeal, when hope appeared to be fading, one of the trapped miners gathered his colleagues and led them in a prayer, asking for God’s mercy and protection.

In the prayer, the miners sought forgiveness for their sins and appealed for an opportunity to reunite with their families, noting that some among them, despite their young age, were primary providers for their households.

Following the prayer, silence filled the underground shaft as the exhausted miners lay down to rest, believing they had done everything within their power to survive.

Unbeknownst to them, rescue teams on the surface were continuing intensive efforts to reach their location. While the miners briefly slept underground, a determined rescue operation was progressing above ground, bringing them closer to safety.

The Ministry has commended the resilience and courage demonstrated by the miners throughout the 17-day ordeal, as well as the dedication and commitment of the rescue teams whose tireless efforts ultimately led to the successful rescue on 20th May 2026.

The Ministry further noted that the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of mine safety and emergency preparedness across the mining sector.

DR CHITALU CHILUFYA RESIGNS FROM PF

By Kalombe Kapambwe

Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has announced his resignation from the Patriotic Front (PF) party.

In a letter addressed to the party's Secretary General, Dr. Chilufya thanked the PF for according him the opportunity to serve as a party member and Member of Parliament.

The former Minister of Health recently withdrew his bid for the PF presidency, citing ongoing legal challenges facing the party, which he said have been further complicated by the enactment of the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2026.

Dr. Chilufya has served as PF Member of Parliament for Mansa Central since 2013.

Following the delimitation exercise, the constituency was split, resulting in the creation of Mansa East and Mansa West constituencies.

He is now set to contest the Mansa West parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for August 13, 2026.