10 killed as coal mine collapses in Afghanistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ANKARA (AA) – At least 10 workers were killed when a coal mine collapsed in northern Afghanistan on Thursday, local media said.

The incident occurred in the Nahrain district of Baghlan province, local broadcaster Tolo News reported.

No further information about the exact damage is currently available as the site is located in a hilly area.

In 2020, at least 20 workers were killed when a coal mine collapsed in the Samangan province near Baghlan.

The increasing number of coal mine accidents raises concerns about safety measures at mining operations in Afghanistan, where mining is mostly illegal in remote areas.

In 2017, ISIS/Daesh terrorists attacked a coal mine labor camp in Baghlan, killing at least 13 workers.

According to the US Geological Survey, Afghanistan has trillions of dollars in reserves of oil, gas, lithium, and other rare metals and minerals, most of which remain untapped due to the country's volatile security situation.