# Trepça mine safety and labor incidents

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/trepa-mine-safety-and-labor-incidents
> Updated: 2026-10-08T20:49:08.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

On October 7, 2026, a 35 kV transformer malfunction caused a power failure at the Trepça mine in Stan Tërg, trapping 63 miners underground for approximately eight hours. While 54 miners evacuated via emergency stairs, nine remained underground until power was restored at 02:30. All miners were reported to be in stable health, though one sustained a leg injury.

The miners' union, led by Ibrahim Januzi, characterized the incident as a “serious safety alarm,” citing outdated equipment and insufficient investment in infrastructure. Additionally, the Trepça Miners Independent Union highlighted broader labor issues, noting that some workers have reportedly not received wages for a year. The Institute for Research and Human Rights (IHDNj) has called for an independent investigation to determine if institutional negligence or safety violations occurred.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Trepça miner remains trapped underground amid unpaid wage claims

A miner trapped in Trepça has reportedly gone a year without pay, prompting the Trepça Miners Independent Union to demand dignity and respect for workers and their anxious families.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trepa-miner-remains-trapped-underground-amid-unpaid-wage-claims

### 2026-10-07: Trepça mine: 63 miners rescued after electrical failure in Stan Tërg

Sixty-three miners at the Trepça mine in Stan Tërg were trapped for eight hours following a 35 kV transformer failure. All were safely rescued, but unions are calling for urgent safety investigations.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trepa-miners-trapped-in-stantrg-mine-after-electrical-failure

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Cite as: Trepça mine safety and labor incidents. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/trepa-mine-safety-and-labor-incidents