ANKARA
It is impossible to determine a specific reason for the Ermenek mine accident which occurred on October 28 in the Karaman province in central Turkey, according to the mining company on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the owning company, Has Sekerler Mining Limited Company said measures were taken for health and safety and all necessary audits were made by the authorized organizations.
"It is impossible to state a reason for the mine accident. According to information that we received from survivor workers, it could be a natural disaster," the company said.
Eighteen miners remain trapped inside the flooded mine while rescue teams are still at work in their rescue efforts.
"The sole purpose of our company was to recover the miners alive, and that is why we did not made an announcement until today," the company stated, and added that they will examine the accident area to determine the cause after freeing the miners from the wreckage.
"In addition, we want to thank Energy Minister Taner Yildiz, Minister of Labor and Social Security Faruk Celik, and to the Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Lutfi Elvan," the company said.
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