At least 36 people died and 11 others were injured following the collapse of handicraft mines this year in Manica, in the center of Mozambique, today announced the Secretary of State of the province.
© Lusa
13/11/2026
by
Lusa
Plink 36 people died and 11 others were injured following the collapse of artisanal mines this year in Manica, in the center of Mozambique, announced today the Secretary of State of the province.
“ We want to regret the occurrence of 11 cases of collapse of artisanal mines in the district of Manica, Vanduzi, Sunssudenga and Macossa, with a record of 36 deaths,” said Lourenço Lindonde, Secretary of State in Manica province, during the provincial coordinating council of the Police of Mozambique.
According to the responsible, eight people were seriously injured and three had minor injuries, in cases recorded between January and September this year.
Lourenço Lindonde asked for more police intervention to restore order, in addition to the collaboration of the community in reporting illegal mining cases.
“ It is precisely within the communities that the demands are seen, thus justifying the imperative of strengthening the partnership police community which is the starting point and arrival of our government action ", said the Secretary of State of Manica.
In September, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo soon announced the adoption of the regulation of the new Mine Law, aimed at strengthening the mechanisms for monitoring and controlling mining activity, following accidents associated with the illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
In July, the Attorney General’s Office warned of the presence of minors in illegal mining holdings in the province of Manica, where it identified about 900 excavation sites.
In 2025, the government suspended licenses from mining companies due to environmental irregularities, including the absence of land recovery plans and waste containment systems, after an official report pointed to an “uncontrolled mining” situation in Manica.
However, according to information released by the government in August, 30 of the 41 mining companies suspended in that province have already resumed their activity after complying with environmental requirements and operating standards, remaining under evaluation.