Summary
Two teenagers in Sierra Leone died in a mine collapse while searching for gold. The incident highlights the dangers of informal mining, where children often skip school to work in risky conditions to earn money for their families. Despite past accidents, children and adults continue mining due to limited job options.
Key Facts
- Two teenagers, Mohamed Bangura and Yayah Jenneh, died in a mine collapse while searching for gold.
- The incident took place in Nyimbadu, Sierra Leone's Eastern Province.
- This was the third fatal mine accident in the area in the last four years, with a total of at least five children dead.
- Many children in the region miss school to work in artisanal gold mining, which is informal and unregulated.
- Sierra Leone's Eastern Province has a history of diamond mining, but gold mining has increased as diamond reserves have depleted.
- Artisanal mining is often risky, with pits that can be as deep as 4 meters (13 feet).
- Families in Nyimbadu often rely on small farming and trading, with mining seen as a way to earn extra money.
- Despite the dangers, many continue to mine because of limited job opportunities in the area.
