At least nine dead in mine collapse – aimnews.org

Chimoio (Mozambique), 6 April (AIM) – At least nine people died and three others were injured in the collapse of an illegal gold mine in the district of Vanduzi, central province of Manica.

The tragedy occurred on Sunday in a notorious region of Minas Gerais known as “Seis Carros”.

Speaking to journalists, the governor of Manica province, Francisca Tomás, confirmed the tragedy.

“I confirm the death of nine people. Three others were injured,” he said. “Seven people died on the spot and five others were injured. Of the five injured, four were taken to hospital, of which two lost their lives.”

The governor called for sustainable and safe mining to avoid accidents that result in the loss of human lives.

“Tragedies of this nature have been recurring, especially during the rainy season, when the ground is unstable and subject to landslides. We have mobilized artisanal miners to take all precautions to avoid deaths,” he stated.

The “Seis Carros” mining region became one of the biggest attraction centers for gold prospectors in Manica. It is estimated that more than ten thousand people, including Mozambicans and foreigners, look for gold there, despite the risks.

Men and women of various ages flock to the site daily, including, in some cases, public servants who temporarily abandon their jobs in search of quick income through mining.

In addition to mining, several commercial activities are carried out on site, mostly carried out by young people, creating a parallel economy that has been growing outside the control of the authorities.

The disaster at the “Seis Carros” mine is not an isolated case. Manica has a history of accidents in artisanal mines, many of them associated with landslides during the rainy season.
(AIM)
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