Tanga – Five men have died after a sand quarry collapsed in the Tanga region, the latest in a series of fatal mining accidents that have plagued the country. The incident occurred on the evening of February 15, 2026, when the walls of the Bolbit quarry in Makuyuni village suddenly gave way, burying the miners under debris.
Tanga Regional Police Commander Almachius Mchunguzi confirmed the deaths and stated that a rescue operation involving police, the fire service, and local residents had recovered the bodies. The victims were identified as local farmers who also engaged in sand mining.
Such tragedies are a recurring issue in Tanzania’s mining sector, particularly in small-scale and artisanal operations. In 2025 alone, at least 13 miners were killed in two other major incidents.
In August, a gold mine collapse in Nyandolwa, Shinyanga, trapped 25 miners, resulting in at least seven fatalities. Just a few months earlier, in May, six people described as “illegal miners” were killed when a gold mine collapsed in the same region.
Historical data paints an even grimmer picture. A 2017 report revealed that 27 people had died in the first five months of that year, a significant increase from the 30 deaths recorded for the entirety of 2016. One of the worst recorded disasters occurred in 2008, when floods swept through tanzanite mines in Mererani, killing at least 65 miners.
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Studies into the causes of these accidents points to a combination of systemic failures. An academic study on tanzanite mines identified falls as the most frequent cause of fatal injuries, stemming from poor technology, a lack of safety equipment, and generally unsafe working conditions.
The study highlighted that many mines use rudimentary tools and fail to enforce safety standards, while poverty often compels workers to accept the hazardous conditions. Human error was cited as a contributing factor in 93 per cent of injuries.
In response to the persistent safety challenges, the Tanzanian government has introduced new measures aimed at formalising and regulating the small-scale mining sector. In April 2025, for instance, the Ministry of Minerals enacted the Mining (Technical Support to Small Scale Miners) Regulations.
These regulations, among other things, are designed to enhance safety, technical proficiency, and environmental compliance by creating a framework for small-scale miners to receive technical support through formal agreements with qualified providers.
The Mining Commission is tasked with overseeing these agreements and conducting inspections to ensure compliance.
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Following the latest incident in Tanga, police have reiterated their call for miners to adhere to safety regulations and for local leaders to increase supervision of quarrying activities.
In the wake of the August 2025 Nyandolwa collapse, President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her “great sadness” and directed government agencies to intensify rescue efforts. High-level officials, including the Chairperson of the Minerals Commission, visited the site, promising a thorough investigation and stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
However, the recurrence of fatal accidents suggests that making these regulations effective on the ground remains a significant challenge.
