Miner Dies in Albanian Chrome Mine

A 52-year-old miner has died while working in a chrome mine in Bulqize, in the north of Albania while police have not released the name of the company.

This is the latest in a long line of deaths and injuries in Albanian chrome mines, while those working there periodically protest demanding better working conditions.

“In a mining entity in Bulqiza, it is suspected that an SD citizen, about 52 years old, (miner) was killed in an accident during work,” the police announced.

Reacting to the news, the Union of United Miners of Bulqiza called for an investigation into the incident, noting that the police had not provided information about the company.

“We express our condolences to the family of our colleague and friend Sazan Deda for their heavy loss. We ask the state bodies to investigate the accident and those responsible for its occurrence, as well as enforce strict controls in every mine for the safety conditions at work”, says the reaction.

In 2021, there were six deaths in mines in the region, while at least 28 people suffered accidents. It is almost unheard of that the companies involved are held accountable, instead passing the blame to the miners themselves.