Tragic Collapse at Illegal Gold Mine in Mali Claims Over 40 Lives

Tue Jul 08 2025 20:37:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Tragic Collapse at Illegal Gold Mine in Mali Claims Over 40 Lives

A devastating collapse at an unregulated gold mine in Mali results in the tragic deaths of more than 40 individuals, drawing attention to safety concerns in the country's mining sector.


The collapse of an illegal gold mine near Kenieba, Mali, has led to the deaths of at least 40 people, primarily women searching for gold scraps. This incident highlights ongoing safety issues in Mali's unregulated mining industry, which has faced multiple accidents in recent weeks.


More than 40 individuals lost their lives following the collapse of an illegal gold mine in Mali this past Saturday, primarily involving women scavenging for gold scraps in abandoned industrial sites. The incident occurred in the Kayes region, known for its abundant gold resources, close to the town of Kenieba. The local mining union reported that miners were searching for leftover gold in open-pit areas when the ground gave way, causing fatalities.

The disaster marks the second major mining accident in Mali within a three-week timeframe, with at least ten people previously killed due to flooding in a mining tunnel in January. Discrepancies in reports regarding the number of casualties arose, with local police citing 48 deaths, while union leaders reported 43. Among the victims was a woman carrying her child when the collapse occurred, as highlighted by a police source.

Mali stands as one of the largest gold producers globally, but many mining activities remain unregulated, leading to frequent accidents caused by unsafe practices. A similar tragedy occurred just over a year ago, leading to at least 40 fatalities due to a tunnel collapse.

A spokesperson from Mali's mines ministry confirmed the accident spot was between Kenieba and Dabia but withheld further details. Ministry teams have begun an investigation at the scene. Notably, the disaster took place at a site previously managed by a Chinese mining company, amid significant investments from Beijing in Mali's mining sector.

Current tensions are also evident in Mali's mining industry, as the government is involved in a revenue-sharing dispute with Barrick, a prominent Canadian mining firm. Recently, the Malian government seized gold bars valued at $245 million from Barrick and issued an arrest warrant for the company's CEO, Mark Bristow, who expressed confidence that the conflict could be resolved.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 01:09:36 GMT

The Rise of JNIM: A Study of West Africa's Emerging Militant Threat**

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 01:09:36 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:43:34 GMT

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: Europe's Dilemma Between America and China

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:43:34 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:34:37 GMT

Jihadist Attacks Escalate in Mali Amidst Military Retaliation

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:34:37 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:23:55 GMT

The Rising Shadow of 'Blood Gold' in West Africa's Conflicts

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:23:55 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:13:33 GMT

Coordinated Jihadist Attacks Target Mali Military Posts

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:13:33 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:11:03 GMT

Colombian Military Successfully Rescues 57 Soldiers from Local Captors

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:11:03 GMT
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:43:03 GMT

Jihadist Attack Claims Lives of Soldiers in Niger as Military Faces Growing Pressure

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:43:03 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:37:40 GMT

Human Trafficking Trial Shadows Champagne Industry's Labor Practices

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:37:40 GMT
Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:52:07 GMT

Pope Leo XIV Appoints First Chinese Bishop in Commitment to Vatican-Beijing Accord

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:52:07 GMT
Sat, 07 Jun 2025 01:27:19 GMT

**Wagner Group Withdraws from Mali: An End to Its Mission Against Militants**

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 01:27:19 GMT
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:39:42 GMT

Wagner Group Announces Withdrawal from Mali After Completing Its Mission

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:39:42 GMT
Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:29:11 GMT

**The Elusive 'Tiger': An In-Depth Look at South Africa's Alleged Illegal Mining Kingpin**

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:29:11 GMT
Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:29:11 GMT

Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group Claims Major Assault on Mali’s Military Forces

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:29:11 GMT
Thu, 29 May 2025 09:14:32 GMT

U.S. Visa Restrictions Leave Chinese Students in Uncertainty

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:14:32 GMT
Fri, 23 May 2025 18:53:15 GMT

Sebastião Salgado, Influential Brazilian Photographer, Passes Away at 81

Fri, 23 May 2025 18:53:15 GMT
Thu, 22 May 2025 07:56:54 GMT

Collapse of Historical Drum Tower Roof Sparks Concerns Over Renovation Standards in China

Thu, 22 May 2025 07:56:54 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 06:50:23 GMT

Alarming Child Exploitation Revealed in South Africa's Illegal Mining Sector

Mon, 19 May 2025 06:50:23 GMT
Wed, 14 May 2025 11:23:59 GMT

Mali's Military Junta Abolishes Political Parties in Democratic Backslide

Wed, 14 May 2025 11:23:59 GMT
Mon, 12 May 2025 14:13:19 GMT

China's Trade Talks: Progress, Caution, and Continued Tensions

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:13:19 GMT
Sat, 10 May 2025 10:41:48 GMT

US-China Trade Talks: A Pivotal Moment or Just a PR Stunt?

Sat, 10 May 2025 10:41:48 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.