Open pit quarry collapses in Zambia, killing 2 illegal miners

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) – Two illegal manganese miners were killed and 10 others injured when an open pit quarry collapsed in Zambia's northern region Tuesday.

The accident occurred in Chifunabuli district of Luapula province, according to District Commissioner Adam Banda.

"The duo died on the spot, while one of the 10 survivors -- a 15-year-old boy -- has been admitted to hospital," Banda said in a statement.

It is the second accident in a month after three young illegal miners were killed and eight others escaped in the same district after a manganese mining pit they were on collapsed.

Banda said operations at the site would be temporarily halted until safety measures were in place.

He indicated that police visited the scene to confirm the incident.

Illegal mining of base metals in the southern African nation has remained rampant as it is a source of livelihood for unemployed youths.

The government said measures are being implemented through the Mine Ministry to regularize artisanal and small-scale mining to enhance the safety of those involved.