A gold mine in eastern Mali has tragically collapsed, resulting in at least 42 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local reports and officials from the Kéniéba district. This incident marks the second significant mining accident in the country this year, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in one of Africa’s leading gold-producing nations.
The disaster occurred on Saturday at a site in Bilali Koto, managed by Chinese operators. The prefect of Kéniéba, Mohamed Dicko, confirmed the death toll, indicating it is likely to be final. Community leader Falaye Sissoko noted that a landslide triggered the collapse, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether the mine was legally operational.
Previously, on January 29, another landslide in the Koulikoro region claimed the lives of several miners, predominantly women. Past tragedies include a January 2022 incident near Bamako, resulting in over 70 deaths at an unregulated site.
Mali’s gold industry is crucial for its economy, representing over 80% of the country’s exports and providing livelihoods to more than two million people. However, unregulated mining has raised concerns as it may potentially fund extremist groups in northern Mali. Artisanal mining contributes an estimated 30 tonnes of gold annually, accounting for 6% of the nation’s total gold production.