A lead-zinc mine collapse has killed seven workers in Ningming County of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local officials said Tuesday.

The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Sunday when about 16 cubic meters of rocks and mud collapsed and buried seven workers in the strip mine of the county's Tingle Village.

The local government organized villagers to rescue the victims and around 10"Most of the victims and the mine owner are local villagers.

Initial investigation indicated over-exploration and the mine owner's violation of the safety regulations led to the accident, according to local police.

The private mine began operation in 2000 and it was previously ordered to stop production because its working conditions did not meet state-level qualifications.

Further investigation is still underway.

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