Six people have died and 15 others remain trapped underground in a gold mine collapse in Zimbabwe, according to state media reports. Deputy mines minister Polite Kambamura stated that a total of 34 miners were caught in the collapse, with 13 managing to escape. The incident occurred in the Beyhose mine, located in the town of Chegutu, about 100 kilometers west of the capital city, Harare. Rescue operations are currently underway to save those still trapped.
The police and the mines ministry were unavailable for comment at the time. Mine collapses are a common occurrence in Zimbabwe, often involving artisanal miners. The country is rich in gold, coal, and diamonds, with the largest reserves of lithium in Africa. Due to the economic crisis and widespread unemployment, many people, including young children, flock to mineral-rich areas in search of valuable deposits.
The country’s once-thriving economy has suffered due to economic mismanagement, corruption, and two decades of sanctions imposed by the United States. Critics attribute the collapse to these factors, while the government blames the sanctions for the country’s plight.