The collapse of an open-pit gold mine in Mali led to the deaths of at least 43 people, primarily women, emphasizing the urgent need for safety regulations in informal mining practices prevalent throughout West Africa.
Tragic Collapse of Informal Gold Mine in Mali Claims Over 40 Lives
Tragic Collapse of Informal Gold Mine in Mali Claims Over 40 Lives
A recent accident in an artisanal gold mine in Western Mali has resulted in at least 43 fatalities, highlighting the dangers associated with informal mining in the region.
In a devastating incident on Saturday, at least 43 individuals lost their lives when an informal gold mine collapsed near Kéniéba, in the gold-rich Kayes region of Mali. This tragic event, confirmed by Taoule Camara, secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries, primarily affected women who had descended into the open-pit areas left by industrial mining operations in search of gold scraps.
The Malian mines ministry verified the occurrence of the accident, which transpired between the towns of Kenieba and Dabia; however, specific details were not disclosed, as reports from ministry teams on-site were still awaited.
Informal mining, frequently termed artisanal mining, is increasingly common in West Africa, driven by heightened demand for metals and elevated prices in the sector. The lure of quick profits comes with substantial risks, as miners often operate under hazardous, unregulated conditions. Incidents like this are not isolated; only a few weeks ago, in late January, thirteen artisanal miners, including women and three children, perished when a gold-digging tunnel flooded in southwest Mali.
The ongoing pattern of fatal accidents in informal mining raises concerns about safety standards and the need for regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable populations engaged in this high-risk yet lucrative industry. As Mali grapples with the fallout from this latest disaster, the call for increased measures to safeguard miners becomes more urgent than ever.
