Investigating of mining accidents involving trapped mine workers: A human factors-based method for analysis and classification (a case study of an illegal gold mining in banyumas, indonesia)

Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Industrial Engineering Department, 53371 Purbalingga, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: hasyim.asyari@unsoed.ac.id

Abstract

The number of illegal mining sites in Indonesia is estimated to be around 2.700, with the number of mining accidents reaching 104 in the period 2013-2021. The number of accidents is high and often causes fatalities. This research focuses on reactivating illegal mining in Pancurendang as a source of livelihood for the local community. We focused on analyzing the causes of the trapping of 8 miners in Pancurendang Mine. It revealed more than 110 mining pits, with 30 active mining pits in the mine. The methodology we used was the Human Factor Analysis Classification System (HFACS) framework to process the data. Data collection was conducted by direct observation at the incident site, interviews with miners and the national rescue agency, as well as a comprehensive literature review. Improvements were proposed in a hierarchical analysis based on the HFACS Framework. The analysis showed that the incident was caused by several factors, such as skill-based error, physical environment, absence of supervisor, organizational physics and societal. The results of this study highlight the need for the development of professional mine organizations, safer working environments and responsibility for safety in small-scale gold mining, and provide valuable insights in the development of geotechnical engineering.