Tragic Mine Collapse Claims Lives of Over 40 Artisanal Gold Miners in Mali
More than 40 artisanal gold miners lost their lives last week in southwest Mali when the shaft they were working in collapsed, as reported by Mali’s mines ministry on Wednesday.
The incident highlights the dangers associated with artisanal mining, a prevalent activity in West Africa that has witnessed increased demand and higher metal prices in recent years.
Artisanal miners often use outdated and unregulated methods, leading to frequent deadly accidents. The tragedy occurred on Friday in the Kangaba Cercle in the south-western Koulikoro Region.
While the ministry’s statement on Tuesday did not specify the exact death toll, a spokesperson mentioned that it was still provisional.
Baye Coulibaly, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasized that the gold panners had disregarded safety standards despite previous warnings. The ministry plans to send a mission to the Kangaba area on Thursday to gather more details about the accident.
According to data from the mines ministry, Mali produced an estimated six tonnes of gold from artisanal mines in 2023.
