On August 6, 2025, four miners were trapped nearly 900 feet underground after a section of Swat emerald mine collapsed in Malook Abad, located in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rescue Operation Details
A rapid and highly coordinated rescue operation — led by Rescue 1122 and supported by Pakistan Army personnel — managed to save all four workers fom Swat emerald mine, after several hours of intense effort. The operation was overseen by District Emergency Officer Rafiullah Marwat, with over 40 trained responders using advanced equipment to navigate the unstable mine shaft.
Once rescued, the miners were given on-site medical attention and were reported to be in stable condition.
Safety Concerns Regarding Swat Emerald Mine
This incident once again raises serious safety concerns in Swat’s rapidly expanding emerald mining industry. There are currently an estimated 350 crush plants operating along the 240-kilometer stretch of river between Kalam and Kanju, highlighting both the economic significance and the regulatory challenges of the sector.
Previous Incidents of Swat Mine
It follows previous accidents, including a fatal elevator collapse in Swat Emerald Mine, in November 2024, which killed multiple workers. The repeated dangers have fueled calls for stricter oversight, improved worker training, and enforced safety regulations across mining operations in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 7th, 2025
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