The desperate search for missing prospector Gus Lamont has entered its fifth agonising day, with emergency crews focusing their efforts on a deep, abandoned mine shaft in Western Australia's remote Goldfields region.
Intensive Search Operation Underway
Police and State Emergency Service volunteers have been working around the clock since Lamont was reported missing last Thursday. The 54-year-old was last seen near the historic mining area where he had been prospecting.
The search intensified after police discovered Lamont's vehicle and camping equipment near an open mine shaft, prompting fears he may have fallen into the treacherous opening. The shaft is believed to be exceptionally deep, with unstable edges that pose significant risks to rescuers.
Local authorities have described the operation as "complex and dangerous" due to the precarious nature of the abandoned mine workings. Specialised equipment, including advanced listening devices and cameras, has been brought in to assist with the search below ground.
Family's Anxious Wait Continues
Lamont's family have maintained a vigil at the search site, desperately hoping for positive news. His sister, Maria Lamont, spoke briefly with reporters, describing her brother as an "experienced bushman" who knew the area well.
"He's been prospecting out here for over twenty years," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We just want him home safe. Every minute feels like an hour."
The family has appealed to anyone with information about Lamont's whereabouts to come forward immediately. Friends and fellow prospectors have joined the search effort, combing the surrounding bushland for any sign of the missing man.
History of Mining Dangers in Region
The Goldfields region is dotted with thousands of abandoned mine shafts, many dating back to the gold rush era of the late 1800s. These historical workings present ongoing dangers to prospectors and adventurers exploring the area.
Local mining safety experts have repeatedly warned about the risks associated with unstable ground and hidden shafts in the region. Several fatal incidents have occurred in recent years, highlighting the need for extreme caution when navigating these historic mining areas.
Police have urged all prospectors and bushwalkers to register their travel plans with local authorities and to carry emergency communication devices when venturing into remote areas.
The search operation continues with renewed determination as weather conditions remain favourable. Police have indicated they will maintain the search effort for as long as necessary, with additional specialist resources expected to arrive later today.
