A tragic incident unfolded in Mali as a deadly landslide at an informal gold mine resulted in the loss of at least 43 lives, predominantly affecting women.
Fatal Collapse in Mali's Informal Gold Mine Claims 43 Lives
Fatal Collapse in Mali's Informal Gold Mine Claims 43 Lives
At least 43 people died in a gold mine collapse, mainly women seeking scraps, highlighting safety concerns in West Africa’s artisanal mining sector.
In a devastating event on Saturday, February 16, 2025, an informal gold mine near Kéniéba, located in Mali’s gold-rich Kayes region, collapsed, leading to at least 43 fatalities. Taoule Camara, the secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries, reported that many of the victims were women who ventured down into abandoned open-pit areas left from industrial mining, in search of gold scraps.
A representative from Mali's mines ministry acknowledged the incident took place between the towns of Kenieba and Dabia, but refrained from providing further details, as reports from on-site ministry teams were pending.
Informal mining, often referred to as artisanal mining, is widespread throughout West Africa. It has gained significant financial traction in recent years, thanks to rising metal demands and prices. However, this activity carries serious risks. The unregulated methods and hazardous working conditions result in frequent accidents, claiming lives. Just last month, a similar tragedy occurred in southwest Mali when 13 artisanal miners, including women and three children, drowned after a tunnel they were working in was flooded.
This recent incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regulations in the informal mining sector to protect vulnerable workers and prevent further loss of life.
