Gold Mine Collapse Leads to Death of 40 Workers in Afghanistan

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): At least 40 people were killed in an apparent mine collapse in northern Afghanistan. Ten other people were injured in the incident, which occurred at an unregulated mine in the Kohistan district of Badakhshan province of the country. Sources indicate that the death toll could rise further.

According to Nik Mohammad Nazari, spokesperson for the provincial governor, villagers had dug 200-feet deep shaft in a river bed in search of gold. While using excavator to dig big hole in the river, the shaft collapsed, trapping nearly 50 workers inside the wall. Illegal mining activities like this have been taking place in the area for decades and government have no control over them, he said. The reason for collapse of the shaft is unknown. However, the unprofessional techniques employed by the village miners might probably have led to the unfortunate incident, Nazari added.

A rescue team is already sent to the accident site. The roads to Kohistan district are reportedly cut off due to heavy snow. This is likely to impact the rescue and emergency efforts, noted district governor Mohammad Rustam. Meantime, reports indicate that villagers have already started removing bodies from the site.

Incidentally, Afghanistan is blessed with rich, untapped deposits of minerals including copper and gold. Taliban-the outfit in fight to regain control of the country, relies on illegal mining of these resources for much of its revenue.