A landslide at a small-scale mine in northern Tanzania has resulted in the deaths of 22 people, according to government officials. The incident took place at the Ngalita mine in the Bariadi district of the Simiyu region. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her deep sadness over the accident and paid tribute to the victims.
The miners, aged between 24 and 45, disregarded an order and began mining late on Friday before a section of the area collapsed, trapping and burying them. Rescue operations concluded on Sunday, and all 22 deceased individuals were men. Faustine Mtitu, acting commander for the region’s fire and rescue force, stated that they are confident there are no more bodies trapped in the rubble and that safety protocols were not followed at the mine.
Mining accidents are not uncommon in Tanzania, as workers often lack the necessary tools and materials to operate safely. Moreover, heavy rains in the country since December have led to landslides and floods, further complicating the situation for miners. The government has been making efforts to enhance safety for small-scale miners over the years, but unsafe and unregulated illegal mining still persists in Tanzania, which is Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer after South Africa, Ghana, and Mali.