A devastating tragedy struck western Mali on Saturday when an illegally operated gold mine collapsed, killing at least 48 people. Authorities and local sources confirmed the grim toll, as rescue operations continued in the search for more victims.
Mali, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has long struggled with the dangers of unregulated mining. Many small-scale, informal operations lack proper safety measures, making them particularly vulnerable to deadly accidents.
Landslides and cave-ins are tragically common, and authorities have found it difficult to regulate the sector in a country where gold mining is a key part of the economy.
According to a police source, some victims fell into nearby water, including a woman who was carrying her baby on her back. The Kenieba gold miners’ association also confirmed the death toll, and environmental groups monitoring the situation reported that the search for victims was still underway.
The mine, which had been abandoned by a Chinese company, had become a hotspot for unregulated mining activities.
This is not the first time Mali has faced such a disaster. Just last month, a landslide at a gold mine in the south killed at least ten people, with many more missing, most of them women. A year ago, a tunnel collapse in the same region claimed over 70 lives, underscoring the recurring dangers of illegal mining.
Despite being rich in gold, Mali remains one of the world’s poorest countries, where many people turn to artisanal mining as a means of survival. The industry, though lucrative, often operates without oversight, leaving workers exposed to extreme risks.
As authorities continue recovery efforts, the latest tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need for stronger regulations and safety measures to protect those seeking a livelihood in one of Mali’s most dangerous industries.
AFP