Two Dead, Two Injured in Mining Pit Collapse in DRC’s Ituri Province
Two Killed, Two Injured in Mining Pit Collapse in Ituri
Two people have died and two others were injured after a mining pit collapsed at the Golgotha mining site near Njiapanda-Bella in Mambasa Territory, Ituri Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The accident occurred on Friday, 21 August 2026, at around 3 p.m., while several people were working inside a mining pit reported to be more than 50 metres deep. Part of the pit wall suddenly collapsed, burying workers inside.
The two people who died were identified as Sadam and Godida. Their bodies were recovered following rescue operations at the site.
Two other workers survived the collapse but sustained injuries. They were evacuated to a health facility in Makeke/Makiki for medical treatment. Reports did not provide further details on the severity of their injuries.
Mining Safety Concerns
The incident has once again highlighted the safety risks facing workers in artisanal mining operations across Ituri, particularly in deep underground workings where unstable walls and inadequate ground-support measures can expose miners to potentially fatal accidents.
Golgotha is located in the Mambembe groupement, Babila-Babombi chiefdom, Mambasa Territory, an area where artisanal mining is an important economic activity for local communities.
The latest deaths are likely to renew calls for stronger safety controls, improved supervision and better enforcement of mining regulations at artisanal sites.
Deep and poorly supported mine workings remain a significant hazard in artisanal mining areas, where workers can face serious risks from ground instability and pit collapses.
The Golgotha accident therefore underscores the need for stronger safety practices and closer oversight of artisanal mining operations to prevent further loss of life.
