At least 48 people lost their lives in a devastating gold mine collapse in western Mali on Saturday, authorities and local sources confirmed. The incident occurred at an abandoned mining site previously operated by a Chinese company, highlighting the ongoing dangers of illegal gold mining in the country.
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, frequently witnesses deadly landslides and accidents at mining sites, particularly those operating without proper regulations. Authorities have struggled to rein in unregulated mining activities, which continue to thrive despite the risks.
Fatalities and Rescue Efforts
A police source reported that as of 6:00 PM local time on Saturday, the death toll had reached 48. “Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back,” the source revealed.
A local official and the Kenieba gold miners’ association confirmed the tragedy, while rescue operations were still ongoing. The head of an environmental organization also stated that efforts were underway to retrieve bodies from the collapsed site.
Recurring Tragedies in Malian Gold Mines
This is not the first time Mali has witnessed such a catastrophe. In January, a landslide at a gold mine in southern Mali killed at least 10 people, leaving many others missing, most of them women. Similarly, just over a year ago, a tunnel collapse at a gold mining site in the same region claimed the lives of more than 70 people.
Despite the Malian government’s efforts to regulate mining activities, unlicensed and small-scale mining operations continue to pose severe safety hazards. The lack of proper safety measures and oversight has led to repeated incidents, causing significant loss of life.
Sources By Agencies
