Gold Mine Collapse Claims 42 Lives

• A gold mine collapse in Mali killed 42 and injured many.
• The accident occurred at a site run by Chinese nationals.
• This is the second mining disaster in Mali this year.

A devastating gold mine collapse in eastern Mali has resulted in at least 42 deaths, with many others injured, according to local officials and reports from Malian television.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday at the Bilali Koto site in the commune of Dabia, located in the Kéniéba district.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the collapse, attributed to a landslide, took place at a mine operated by Chinese nationals, though local authorities are still investigating whether the mine was legally operating. Mohamed Dicko, the prefect of Kéniéba, confirmed the death toll on Sunday, stating that the 42 fatalities should be considered final.

The disaster marks the second major mining accident in Mali this year, following a similar landslide in the Koulikoro region on January 29 that killed several miners, mostly women. This incident further underscores the growing concerns about safety in the country’s gold mining sector.

Mali, one of Africa’s top three gold producers, has a long history of unregulated mining operations. In January 2023, an unregulated mine near the capital Bamako collapsed, claiming over 70 lives. These accidents have raised alarm over the safety and oversight of artisanal mining, a sector that plays a significant role in the country’s economy.

Gold is Mali’s most important export, accounting for more than 80% of the country’s total exports in 2021, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration.

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The mining industry supports more than 2 million people, or roughly 10% of the population. However, there are increasing concerns that profits from unregulated mines could be fueling extremist groups operating in northern Mali.

As Mali grapples with the aftermath of these deadly incidents, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the latest collapse.

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