Deadly Collapse at Illegally Operated Gold Mine Claims 48 Lives in Mali

In a devastating tragedy, at least 48 people lost their lives in the collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali on Saturday. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers inherent in the country’s unregulated mining sector, which is notorious for frequent landslides and accidents.

Mali, a leading gold producer in Africa, has struggled to manage the rampant illegal mining that plagues its sites. A police source reported, “The toll at 18:00 today is 48 dead following the collapse,” noting that some victims tragically fell into nearby water, including a woman carrying her baby on her back.

Local officials and the Kenieba gold miners’ association corroborated the death toll, as search efforts for additional victims continued. The mine, involved in the disaster, was abandoned and previously operated by a Chinese company.

This incident is not an isolated case; just last month, a landslide in southern Mali claimed at least 10 lives, with many missing, primarily women. Moreover, over a year ago, a tunnel collapse at a mining site in the same region resulted in more than 70 fatalities.

As the search for survivors unfolds, the urgent need for regulatory measures in Mali’s mining industry becomes increasingly apparent, underscoring the risks faced by those who work in these hazardous conditions.