10 die in Zambia mine collapse, say police

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Ten miners were reported dead, and five others survived with injuries after a mine pit they were quarrying in collapsed, trapping an undisclosed number of people under the debris.

The incident occurred at the Luili gold mine in Mumbwa District, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Zambian capital of Lusaka on Monday.

"An unknown number of people went to conduct mining activities at the pit this morning and during the course of their activities, the earth collapsed on them," Charity Chanda, the police commissioner for Central Province, said in a statement.

"Rescue efforts led to the recoveries of six miners with injuries, while nine were confirmed dead on the spot. Unfortunately, one of the six injured miners later succumbed to his injuries at Nangoma mission hospital," said the statement.

Chanda said that efforts to rescue any remaining miners trapped under the debris were still underway, and the injured miners were receiving treatment at Nangoma Mission Hospital, which is located nearby.

Nangoma Member of Parliament Collins Nzovu, who is also the country's Minister for Water Development and Sanitation, revealed that the number of miners still trapped under the debris was five.

Nzovu told reporters during his visit to the site that he had since directed the suspension of all mining activities at the quarry.

While officially opening the inaugural Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka on Monday, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema cautioned against unsafe mining practices, urging citizens interested in the sector to ensure they obtain licenses to conduct mining in a safe and legal environment.