Tanzania mine collapse kills 11

Geita, Tanzania, 30 March-(ANA)-At least 11 people are feared dead after a collapse at a gold mine in north-western Tanzania.

Miners were using hand tools to dig a shaft when a wall gave way as they reached a depth of around 140m (460ft).

Eleven miners were registered as being inside the pit when Sunday's tragedy happened at the town of Geita.

But officials say the true death toll could be higher as it is common for some prospectors not to bother registering when they descend.

Geita has attracted miners since gold was discovered during colonial times in the early 1900s.

But correspondents say the prospectors' activities are highly unregulated, resulting in dangerous practices. (ANA)

FA/ANA/30 March 2009---