Zambia Probes Mine Dump Collapse That Killed 10
Sumaira FH Published June 22, 2018 | 01:21 AM
Lusaka, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jun, 2018 ) :Zambia's mining minister Richard Musukwa announced an investigation on Thursday after 10 people died during the collapse of a mine dump in the country's copper-producing region.
The subsistence miners were killed on Wednesday when the dump known locally as Black Mountain collapsed in Zambia's second-largest city and mining hub Kitwe.
Musukwa told parliament "the investigations are still underway and we have suspended operations at the Black Mountain to allow for a forensic investigation".
Musukwa blamed the incident, which also left seven people injured, on "people who should not have been in the mine", describing them as "illegal miners or scavengers".
Local media reported that ministers were forced to step in last month after small-scale miners at the site began using explosives to extract copper from the mine dump, damaging nearby properties and possibly dislodging the mound.
Zambia has some of the world's largest copper reserves and the metal accounts for as much as 80 percent of the country's export earnings.
Growing demand for copper has seen prices spike above $3.14 (2.74 Euros) for a pound, according to the InfoMine service.
This has contributed to a surge in illegal mining activity in Zambia which is beset by high levels of unemployment.
Communications and power cables have become a valuable target, both for major gangs and small-time thieves both in Zambia and worldwide.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 17 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 17 May 2024
Ukraine trying to 'stabilise' front as Russia pushes northeast
SPSC announces final results of Combined Competitive Examination 2020
Slovak PM is able to speak few sentences in serious condition
Agriculture dept using all resources to obtain cotton sowing target
Tunisia president blasts foreign criticism of arrests
Court seeks arguments in PTI founder's bail plea
'Good neighbour': The small-town Slovak writer suspected of PM shooting
Russia expels UK defence attache in tit-for-tat move
Court reserves verdict in PTI founder's acquittal plea
Cannes film shocks with fairy-tale horror on abortion
More Stories From World
-
Putin in trade push on final day of China trip
36 minutes ago -
Global coral bleaching event expanding to new countries: scientists
1 hour ago -
Swiatek to face Sabalenka for Rome title and Serena record
1 hour ago -
Klopp leaves lasting legacy after restoring Liverpool to elite
2 hours ago -
Chad junta chief officially wins election
7 hours ago -
Trump lawyers vie to discredit key witness Cohen at trial
7 hours ago
-
Ecuadoran president urges international help to stop drug problem
8 hours ago -
S.Africa tells UN court Israel 'genocide' hit 'new and horrific stage'
8 hours ago -
Biden makes new outreach to Black voters as support slips
9 hours ago -
Ukraine battles to hold back Russia advance
9 hours ago -
China 'can't have it both ways' with Russia and West: US
9 hours ago -
US military says aid pier anchored to Gaza beach
9 hours ago