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Friday, 18 August 2006, 15:58 GMT 16:58 UK

Burkina Faso gold miners trapped

map A gold mine shaft in Burkina Faso has collapsed, trapping dozens of diggers.

The mine at Poura, 120km south-west of the capital, Ouagadougou, was closed in 1999 but unlicensed diggers continued to look for gold there.

Three bodies have been pulled out of the shaft, which is thought to be 200m deep with only one access point.

People are using axes and hoes to try to reach at least 50 other people who are feared still to be trapped. Medical staff are on the scene.

The shaft collapsed about 1300 local time (GMT).

Six injured people have been rescued so far.



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Related to this story:
Digging for diamonds and democracy (25 Jul 06 |  Africa )
On the trail of DR Congo's 'cursed' gold (03 Jun 05 |  Africa )


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