Two Killed in Ituri Landslide at “Jerusalem” Artisanal Gold Mine
Two Dead, Two Injured in Landslide at Ituri Artisanal Gold Mine Amid Heavy Rains
Two people have died following a landslide that struck the “Jerusalem” artisanal mining site near Lwemba, in Ituri province, late Sunday night. The tragedy adds to a growing number of fatal incidents linked to unstable terrain in eastern Congo’s informal mining zones.
According to Peresi Mamboro, a local civil society leader, the accident was triggered by intense rainfall that has battered the region in recent days.
“Two people were killed in this landslide, while two others were injured and are now receiving medical treatment,” Mamboro said. “We urge miners to adopt preventive safety measures to avoid further tragedies.”
He also called on local authorities to strengthen monitoring and raise awareness about the dangers of artisanal mining, stressing that workers must prioritize safety over production.
“Operators must rethink their working methods to ensure their own safety,” he added.
Local sources confirmed that the bodies of the victims were recovered from the rubble following an assessment by relevant authorities.
The “Jerusalem” site is one of many artisanal gold mines operating in Ituri, where frequent landslides and weak safety standards have resulted in repeated accidents.
Despite the risks, many residents continue to engage in artisanal mining as a means of survival in a region struggling with poverty and insecurity.
Authorities and civil society groups are once again urging the implementation of stricter safety protocols, improved environmental monitoring, and formalization of artisanal mining to prevent further loss of life.
