In brief
On Saturday, a deadly collapse in an informal gold mine in Mali resulted in at least 43 fatalities, primarily affecting women seeking gold scraps. This incident underscores the inherent risks of informal mining practices in the region.
In a tragic incident that underscores the dangers of informal mining, at least 43 people lost their lives when an open-pit gold mine collapsed in the Kayes region of western Mali. The accident occurred on Saturday, with most casualties being women who were scavenging for leftover gold near the town of Kéniéba, according to Taoule Camara, head of the national union of gold counters and refineries. These informal mines, marked by their unregulated and hazardous conditions, are increasingly popular due to rising metal prices. However, they often lead to deadly accidents, as seen in a similar event in January that resulted in the deaths of 13 miners, including women and children. The mines ministry confirmed the accident near Kenieba, although further details are pending investigations.
