A tragic accident in Mali has claimed the lives of more than 40 people after an illegal gold mine collapsed on Saturday. The disaster happened near Kéniéba, in Mali’s western Kayes region, an area known for its gold deposits.
The victims, mostly women, were searching for leftover gold in open pits abandoned by industrial miners when the ground suddenly gave way. According to a gold miners’ union leader, the collapse buried those inside, making rescue efforts difficult.
Second Mining Disaster in Three Weeks
This is the second major mining accident in Mali in less than a month. In late January, at least 10 people died when a tunnel at another mining site flooded. The exact number of casualties from Saturday’s accident remains unclear, with conflicting reports estimating between 43 and 48 victims.
A local police officer described the heartbreaking scene, stating that some victims fell into the water, including a woman carrying a baby on her back.
Unsafe Mining Practices to Blame
Mali is one of the world’s largest gold producers, but many mines operate without proper safety measures. Thousands of workers, driven by poverty, risk their lives daily using dangerous methods to extract gold from abandoned sites. Accidents like these are common due to weak regulations and poor oversight.
Over a year ago, another mine collapse killed 40 people, highlighting the urgent need for better safety policies in the sector.
Government and International Involvement
The Malian government has confirmed the accident but has not shared further details. Investigation teams have been sent to assess the situation and prepare a report.
The collapsed mine was previously run by a Chinese company, reflecting China’s deep involvement in Mali’s mining industry. Meanwhile, the country is also facing tensions with Canadian mining giant Barrick, which recently had gold bars worth $245 million seized by Malian authorities over a revenue-sharing dispute.
A Call for Safer Mining Practices
The repeated mining disasters in Mali highlight the urgent need for better regulations and safer working conditions for local miners. Without stricter safety measures and enforcement, these tragedies will continue to claim innocent lives.
