28 killed after illegal gold mine collapse in Angola’s Bengo province

Deadly mine collapse in Angola exposes the dangers of illegal gold extraction

At least 28 people lost their lives after an artisanal gold mine caved in over the weekend in northern Angola, according to local authorities and media reports.

The tragic incident occurred in Bengo province, located northeast of the capital city Luanda. Officials said the victims, aged between 18 and 45, were involved in illegal gold mining activities when the mine suddenly collapsed early Saturday morning.

A police representative told national broadcaster TPA that the group had been extracting gold and other strategic minerals from the site before the accident happened. Rescue teams later recovered 28 bodies from the collapsed mine, while search operations are still ongoing amid fears that more miners may remain trapped underground.

Local rescue authorities confirmed the death toll and revealed that 13 of the victims reportedly belonged to the same family, highlighting the devastating impact of the disaster on the local community.

Northern Angola is known for its rich reserves of diamonds, gold, and other valuable minerals. However, many mining operations in remote areas are carried out illegally and without safety regulations. These unregulated sites often attract thousands of workers, including migrants from neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, who risk dangerous working conditions in search of income.

According to the Angola Press Agency, officials estimate that nearly 7,000 illegal miners are currently involved in gold extraction activities across Bengo province alone.

The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns about the safety risks associated with illegal mining operations in Angola, where mine accidents are frequently reported due to poor infrastructure and lack of oversight.