At least 28 dead in illegal gold mine collapse in Angola

At least 28 people have lost their lives following the collapse of an illegal gold mine in Angola’s Bengo province, northeast of the capital Luanda, authorities announced Sunday. Police spokesman Gaspar Luis Inacio said the incident occurred on Saturday, with two others still missing and a search and rescue operation underway for trapped victims.

Victims and injuries

The victims, aged between 18 and 40, included 13 members of the same family who were buried in the landslide. At Bengo central hospital, health supervisor Francisco Rodrigues confirmed that at least three injured individuals received treatment. “All three patients are conscious and out of danger. There is no immediate need for transfer to other medical facilities,” Rodrigues told reporters.

Context

Illegal artisanal mining is widespread in parts of Angola, often using dangerous methods without safety oversight. Accidents are frequent but rarely receive international attention. The tragedy comes amid a global surge in gold prices driven by the Iran war and economic uncertainty, which has increased informal mining activity in resource‑rich African countries.