Bamako: At least 48 people have tragically died following the collapse of an illegal gold mine in western Mali on Saturday, according to local sources and authorities.
The accident occurred at an unregulated mining site, which is a common issue in Mali, one of Africa's top gold producers. Mining accidents, including deadly landslides, frequently occur at such sites. "The toll at 1800 today is 48 dead following the collapse," a police source confirmed. "Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back."
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A local official confirmed the cave-in, while the Kenieba Gold Miners' Association also reported the same death toll. The search for any remaining victims is still underway, according to the head of an environmental organisation who spoke to AFP.
Accident at former Chinese mining site
The tragic incident took place at an abandoned site that was previously operated by a Chinese company. Sources indicated the mine had been left unused, but was still being worked illegally by local miners.
This latest tragedy follows a similar incident earlier in January, when a landslide at a gold mine in southern Mali killed at least 10 people, many of whom were women. A year ago, a tunnel collapse at a nearby gold mine killed more than 70 people, highlighting the ongoing dangers of unregulated mining in the country.
Agency
Published: 16 Feb 2025, 07:09 am IST
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