Abdelrahman
Tragic Collapse at Informal Gold Mine in Mali Claims 43 Lives
BAMAKO, Mali — A devastating incident at an informal gold mining site in western Mali resulted in the deaths of at least 43 individuals, primarily women. This information was reported by Taoule Camara, the secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries.
The accident occurred near Kéniéba, a town situated in Mali’s gold-rich Kayes region. Camara explained that the victims were scavenging for leftover gold in open-pit areas that had been abandoned by industrial mining operations when the ground gave way beneath them.
A representative from the Ministry of Mines confirmed the occurrence of the tragedy between the towns of Kéniéba and Dabia but refrained from providing additional details, noting that their teams on-site had yet to compile a comprehensive report on the incident.
Informal mining, often referred to as artisanal mining, is prevalent throughout West Africa and has seen a surge in profitability due to increasing demand for metals and rising market prices. Unfortunately, this sector is marked by frequent fatalities, as many such operations employ unregulated practices and often lack adequate safety measures.
Just earlier this year, in late January, a similar tragedy occurred in southwest Mali, where thirteen artisanal miners, including three children and several women, lost their lives when a gold-seeking tunnel became flooded.
This latest event underscores the urgent need for improved safety regulations and oversight within the informal mining sector to protect the lives of those pursuing this perilous livelihood.
