Unlike the situation in Tanzania where a tragedy hit and took the lives of more than 160 miners in 1998, the series of accidents in Ethiopia, including the present one at the above mentioned place, has claimed 20 miners lives in 3 months beginning 2009. It is obviously a very dangerous profession even in a situation wherein a high level of extraordinary precautionary and protective measures are taken. Accidents can happen in the process.

As our motto is to bring value to the activity, be ethical in all our indulgences in the area and never ever get profit at the expense of human lives, the two mainstream Opal dealers, Mr. Eyassu Bekele and Mr. Francesco Mazzero, did in good time notify all concerned on this website, on conferences, on a booth in shows, and to clients. The reaction to their early warning, with the exception of  the Italian "Rivista Gemmologica Italiana”, was very disappointing. Mr. Eyassu Bekele and Mr. Francesco Mazzero time and time again reported this unacceptable tragic situation and they further took the case to the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Addis Ababa. Though it is regrettable the accident occurred and claimed human lives, we believe the Ministry with all its means at its disposal is exerting all possible effort to improve the situation.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the miners family.

Finally, we humbly suggest that the mining at Tsehay Mewcha be suspended until such time all safety and security measures are put in place.

Best regards,

Eyassu Bekele
EyaOpal
Francesco Mazzero
Opalinda