Eleven Die in Illegal Gold Mining Accidents
October 11, 21
(IDEX Online) - At least 11 illegal miners - most of them digging for gold - have died in the last three months in accidents in Angola's central Huambo region.
Many thousands of people across the country rely on unregulated and illegal gold mining for their livelihoods.
At least 30 miners were killed in March 2019 when a mine in the south-west HuÃla Province collapsed. The accident was blamed on ground humidity.
Commissioner Francisco Ribas, Huambo provincial commander of the National Police, said his department would try to discourage unlawful mining and prevent deaths, according to local media.
An an average of eight mine accidents are reported every month at Huambo Central Hospital.
Local radio stations broadcast twice-weekly programs warning of the dangers of mining, as part of a broader awareness campaign.
Generic pic shows gold ore extracted by artisanal miners