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