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By: AFP
Over 70 individuals lost their lives in a recent collapse of a tunnel at a gold mining site in Mali, according to local sources. This incident adds to a series of disasters in a region prone to mining accidents. Mali, among the world’s poorest countries, is a leading gold producer in Africa.
Gold mining sites in the area often witness deadly landslides, with authorities struggling to regulate artisanal mining activities. The tragedy occurred last Friday, and the death toll was confirmed by Oumar Sidibe, an official for gold miners in the town of Kangaba. The government expressed condolences and called on communities and miners to strictly adhere to safety measures.
Gold mining in the Sahel region is known for its risks, with past incidents reported in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, and western Mali.
In 2022, Mali produced 72.2 tonnes of gold, contributing significantly to the national budget, export earnings, and GDP. The military leaders in Mali, in power since 2020, have aimed to restore sovereignty and enhance the country’s benefits from its natural resources. The adoption of a new mining code in August allows the state to have up to a 30% stake in new projects, contributing substantial revenue to the annual state budget.
Despite political instability, Mali’s mining sector is dominated by foreign companies that continue operations.
