Rescue operations are still ongoing at Matala Gold Mine in Mumbwa District, where five miners remain trapped underground following a mine collapse that happened on May 5.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe says the situation has become extremely difficult because the tunnels involved are not conventional mining tunnels.
Speaking to the press in Lusaka, Kabuswe explained that some sections underground extend as deep as 100 metres, creating dangerous conditions for rescue teams trying to reach the trapped miners safely.
The collapse happened at Matala Gold Mine in Nangoma Constituency after part of the underground structure gave way, burying five people beneath the surface.
More than a week later, their condition is still unknown.
Authorities say several rescue efforts have already been attempted, but the unstable underground environment continues to slow down operations.
Government has now started exploring additional rescue options as pressure grows for answers from families and community members closely following the situation.
The incident has also sparked fresh conversations around safety conditions in mining operations, especially at smaller and less conventional mining sites.
For now, attention remains focused on whether rescue teams can safely reach the trapped miners before conditions underground become even more dangerous.