Over 40 people killed in Mali mine collapse

Forty-three individuals, mainly women, died when an artisanal gold mine in western Mali collapsed on Saturday, according to the leader of an industry union.

The incident occurred close to the town of Kenieba in Mali’s gold-abundant Kayes area, Taoule Camara, the secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries (UCROM), informed.

The women descended into open-pit sites created by industrial miners in search of gold scraps when the ground gave way beneath them, he stated.

A spokesperson from the mines ministry verified that the incident occurred between the towns of Kenieba and Dabia, but refused to provide additional information as the ministry teams on-site had not yet submitted their report.

Artisanal mining is a widespread practice throughout much of West Africa and has become increasingly profitable in recent years due to heightened demand for metals and surging prices.

Fatal incidents are common since the artisanal miners frequently employ unregulated techniques. In late January, thirteen artisanal miners, comprising women and three children, lost their lives in southwest Mali when a tunnel they were excavating for gold was inundated.