Moz mine collapse kills seven
2010-07-30 21:13
Maputo - A baby girl was among seven people killed when a mine collapsed on them in Mozambique, independent Mozambican media reported on Friday.
The baby, four women, and two men died, and six others were injured while excavating tantalite from the abandoned mine in the central Mozambican province Zambezia on Wednesday morning, Mediafax newssheet reported.
Mining company Recursos de Tantalite Lda managed the mine with South African companies for five years, but did not renew its licence this year.
The names of the South African companies were not given.
According to the report, the local population started to excavate the minerals at the abandoned mine, selling some back to the mining company.
The 18-month-old baby girl was found dead while strapped to her mother's back.
The district administrator visited the site and families of the deceased, giving each family food hampers and financial help with funeral arrangements.
Tantalite is a rare dark mineral used in the manufacture of electronic components.
- SAPA
