According to journalists who visited the gold mines, 12 gold miners were said to be the first group of victims, who lost their lives few days prior to the 45 men, who are now feared dead.
The reports said the Kartee Gold Mine was ordered closed by local authorities in Tappita last month following reports of mass deaths of illicit miners in the area, but the warning fell on deaf ears and
mining activities continued unabated in the area.
The journalists said the unskilled miners take risk by under-digging the ground without putting a good brace to uphold the top flood as they dig further into the earth.
According to reports no arrest has been made and illegal miners can still be seen in the area.