Seven Killed at DRC Diamond Mine

At least seven miners were killed and fears for the lives of a dozen more mount after sections of a diamond mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) collapsed Tuesday night. Dozens were working in the tunnels according to reports by local Radio Okapi.

Seven bodies of illegal miners have been recovered from the underground maze in Bakwanga in central DRC, where authorities estimate hundreds dig for diamonds at the deserted Miba mine.

"The government must bring in companies that can stop the miners and provide a minimum of security. Otherwise, it should make more effort to promote agriculture and encourage people away from the diamonds," mayor Innocent Kingwa said.

Last August, six illegal diamond diggers were shot dead at the Miba diamond mine. The diamond workers' union has blamed armed guard for the deaths.

Illegal mines are notorious for the dangers they pose to diggers, who risk their lives for the chance of finding a diamond. In 2005, more than 20 miners were killed and about 1,000 more infected by a mysterious illness.

In other places in Africa, diggers have been killed by cave-ins, mudslides, and government forces trying to regain control of diamond mines.