An unaccounted-for gold mine has reportedly fallen into ruin in Sierra Leone, killing at least 200 people, but officials deny reports of the accident.

Reuters earlier quoted the country's Ministry of Mineral Resources as saying, Over 200 artisanal gold miners were killed when a ... trench dug by the miners collapsed."

The incident took place on Friday about 180 miles (290 kilometers) from the capital, Freetown, according to Reuters.

However, BBC reported that Minister of Mineral Resources Alpha Kanu visited the site and denied an accident had occurred.

People at the mine were surprised to see him because nothing was wrong, Kanu told the BBC, dismissing the reports as "wicked rumors".

The West African nation of plentiful mineral resources relies on mining for its economic base.

Artisanal miners are independent workmen, not on any official payroll, who would prospect for minerals for personal profit.