In a devastating incident last week, an unregulated gold mine collapse in Mali has left more than 70 people dead, with fears that the toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Karim Berthé, a senior official at the National Geology and Mining Directorate, confirmed the details, attributing the incident to an accident.
The collapse occurred in the Kangaba district within the southwestern Koulikoro region. The cause of the collapse, which happened on Friday, remains unclear as investigations are underway. Mali, as Africa’s third-largest gold producer, has seen a history of such accidents, with artisanal miners often accused of neglecting safety measures, particularly in remote areas.
Berthé emphasized the need for the state to bring order to the artisanal mining sector to prevent future accidents. The Ministry of Mines expressed deep regret over the incident and urged both miners and communities residing near mining sites to adhere to safety requirements.
Concerns have been raised in recent years that profits from unregulated mining in northern Mali could potentially fund Islamic extremists in the region. However, the location of this tragic collapse is far south of that area and closer to the capital, Bamako.
Gold holds immense economic significance for Mali, constituting over 80% of its total exports in 2021, according to the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The mining sector supports more than two million people, representing over 10% of Mali’s population, highlighting the critical role it plays in the country’s economy.
As the nation grapples with this latest mining disaster, there is a growing call for stronger regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety of those involved in artisanal mining and to prevent future tragedies.
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