Tragic Gold Mine Collapse in Mali Claims Lives of Over 40

In a grim incident highlighting the dangers of artisanal mining, at least 43 individuals, predominantly women, perished when an open-pit gold mine collapsed in western Mali, amidst growing concerns over unregulated mining practices in the region.

At least 43 people were tragically killed after an informal gold mine in Mali collapsed on Saturday, according to the head of a local industry union. Most of the victims were women who had ventured into abandoned open-pit areas seeking leftover gold scraps when the ground suddenly gave way. Taoule Camara, secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries, reported that the incident occurred near the town of Kéniéba in the gold-rich Kayes region.

While a representative from the mines ministry acknowledged the disaster took place between Kenieba and Dabia, they refrained from providing additional details, as ministry teams were still gathering information at the scene. The rise in artisanal mining across West Africa—a practice often unregulated and fraught with peril—has become increasingly lucrative due to soaring demand for metals and high market prices. Unfortunately, this demand has also led to a surge in deadly mining accidents, with informal miners frequently operating in unsafe conditions.

Just weeks prior to this collapse, thirteen artisanal miners, including women and children, lost their lives in southwestern Mali when floodwaters inundated their digging site. The ongoing plight of informal miners underscores the urgent need for safety regulations and better management of mining practices in the region.