Two men have died in an artisanal gold mine in Nhampassa, Báruè district, Manica province. One was killed when a tunnel collapsed, while the other suffered fatal injuries after falling into a mining pit.
The first victim died instantly at the scene, while the second succumbed to his injuries on the way to Catandica District Hospital after being rescued by fellow miners.
The mining site is owned by Sociedade Mineira de Nhampassa (SOMINHA). According to Ângelo Pinto, provincial delegate of the General Inspectorate of Mineral Resources and Energy in Manica, both men were mining illegally.
“Investigations revealed that one victim was from Nhampassa, where his funeral has already taken place. The other, from Maputo, has been identified, and funeral arrangements are being finalized,” Pinto stated.
Illegal mining-related accidents are frequent in the region. To mitigate risks, Manica’s provincial infrastructure service has been conducting training sessions on safe mining practices.
“In mining, safety must come first, yet many miners prioritize profit over their own lives,” Pinto warned.
A national meeting is currently underway to develop a strategy against illegal mining, known as garimpo, in an effort to reduce accidents.
So far this year, five illegal miners have died in Nhampassa—three in February and two in March.
“The mining sector is deeply concerned. These tragedies leave families in mourning. We urge miners to prioritize safety over profit,” Pinto emphasized.
Manica province, particularly the districts of Manica, Báruè, Gondola, Sussundenga, and Macossa, is rich in mineral resources, especially gold.
Illegal mining remains widespread, with authorities estimating that over 10,000 people are engaged in unauthorized gold mining in the region.
