30 people killed and 7 injured in a gold mine collapse in Afghanistan

30 people have been killed and seven injured in a gold mine collapse in Kohistan district of Badaksham province, north-eastern Afghanistan bordering Tajikistan, China and Pakistan. Badakhastan is prone to landslides as in the winter heavy snow blankets cover the hilly mountains.

Villagers dug a 60-metre (200 feet) deep shaft in a riverbed to search for gold, and while they were inside the walls caved in.

Illegal mining is common in resource-rich Afghanistan, with the Taliban relying on the sector for most of its revenue.

Most of the country’s minerals remain untapped as the raging conflict and lack of proper control and regulation deter international miners from exploiting the huge reserves.