Tragedy Strikes as Gold Mine Collapse in Mali Claims 43 Lives

An informal gold mine collapse in Mali's Kayes region has resulted in the death of at least 43 people, largely women, underscoring the perilous nature of artisanal mining in the area.

In a tragic incident that occurred on Saturday, at least 43 people lost their lives in a gold mine collapse in western Mali, according to reports from a local industry union. The collapse took place near Kéniéba, a town situated within the gold-rich Kayes region, during a period when informal mining activities continue to rise in popularity.

The victims, many of whom were women, had descended into open-pit areas that industrial miners previously excavated in search of residual gold. The disaster underscores the hazardous conditions that unregulated artisanal miners often face. Taoule Camara, the secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries, confirmed the tragic event to Reuters.

A representative from Mali's mines ministry acknowledged the incident's occurrence between the towns of Kéniéba and Dabia but refrained from providing additional details, as officials on the ground had yet to finalize their report. The perilous nature of informal mining, commonly known as artisanal mining across much of West Africa, has become increasingly clear, particularly following a recent surge in demand for precious metals.

This collapse is not an isolated event; it follows a similar tragedy where thirteen miners, including women and children, died due to flooding in a southwest Mali tunnel in late January. As artisanal mining continues to grow, so does the danger associated with the unregulated pursuit of gold, prompting calls for safer practices and regulations in the sector.