Georgian workers demand not to close a mine in Tkibuli

Participants of a protest action in Tkibuli have called on the authorities not to suspend the operation of the mine after the deaths of four miners, but to observe security measures there.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in the morning on July 16, four miners were killed in an accident at the Mindeli Mine in Tkibuli. Six other miners were hospitalized. The government of the country announced the decision to stop operation of the mine.

Today, the miners have come to hold a protest action near the Mindeli Mine in Tkibuli. They demand not to close it, but to observe security measures, the "InterPressNews" reports.

"We do not agree with the closure of the mine in Tkibuli. The mine breeds the whole city. After its closure, the entire Tkibuli will be paralyzed. We are to take care of our families and children, and we also have financial obligations. So, the mine cannot be closed," said one of the participants of the protest action.

The miners have also demanded to confirm with formal documents that they will be paid for the days of the mine's downtime. "Please confirm to us in writing that until the investigation is completed and the mines are not opened, we will indeed receive the promised wages," said miner Zaza Bedeladze as quoted by the "1tv.ge".

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 17, 2018 at 02:54 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.