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TANZANIA

At least 19 perish when

low-tech mine collapses

The collapse of an artisanal gold mine in northwest Tanzania on Friday killed at least 19 people, and the death toll might rise, according to local police.

Officers were still searching through rubble at the site, Justus Kumugisha, the area's police commander, said Saturday.

"We are suspecting there may be more victims buried underground," Kumugisha said.

Acacia Mining P.L.C.'s large industrial gold mine at Bulyanhulu is about 12 miles from the site of the mine collapse, according to company spokesman Giles Blackham.

"We have sent trained rescue people and equipment to assist the local authorities with the situation," he said.

Acacia is majority owned by Canada's Barrick Gold Corp., the world's largest gold producer.

Artisanal mining refers to activities done by workers not employed by a mining company, often using low technology methods or with minimal machinery.

- Bloomberg News
JAPAN

Maglev train sets record

A Japanese company said its magnetic levitation train set a speed record this week, reaching 366 m.p.h. on a test track. The Central Japan Railway Co., often called JR Central, said the test run involved a seven-car train on a 26.6-mile track in Japan's Yamanashi prefecture. The company said it hoped to break the speed record again Tuesday. Magnetic levitation train systems use magnets to lift and propel the train, promising a ride that's smoother, quieter, and nearly twice as fast as traditional high-speed rail.

- Los Angeles Times

MIDEAST

Tax-money deal reached

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday he had reached a deal with Israel in which essential tax revenue it collects for the Palestinians will be transferred after a four-month freeze. Abbas initially rejected Israel's unfreezing of the tax funds because it included a deduction to settle debts incurred by his Palestinian Authority, including for unpaid utility bills. Speaking to a gathering of Palestinians leaders, Abbas said, "There is an agreement; the money will be sent in full." - AP

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