KINSHASA, Congo - The government of Congo says more than 20 people have died in a collapse at a bush mine in the region of Masisi in North Kivu province. That's in the far eastern part of the country.

The statement sent to reporters late Friday and signed by government spokesman Lambert Mende says the mine near the village of Rubaye collapsed Friday evening. The statement says a search is on for any possible survivors.

North Kivu is rich in minerals, including coltan and gold. Illegal and unregulated bush mines dot the countryside.