Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Kills 11, Injures 7

Khartoum — At least 11 people have died and seven others were injured following the collapse of a gold mine in northeastern Sudan, state-owned Mineral Resources Company confirmed on Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Kersh Al-Feel mine, located in the Houeid region between the cities of Atbara and Haya in Red Sea State. The company’s statement did not specify when the collapse took place, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

Authorities revealed that the mine had been previously ordered to shut down due to serious safety risks. Despite warnings, illegal mining activities reportedly continued at the site.

The company emphasized its commitment to monitoring mining operations and improving safety protocols, urging miners to strictly adhere to safety and environmental regulations to avoid further tragedies.

Traditional or artisanal mining accounts for a major portion of Sudan’s gold production. However, the sector is plagued by frequent accidents due to outdated equipment, weak infrastructure, and inadequate safety standards.

The Mineral Resources Company stated that the mine's operations had been suspended earlier and reiterated that it had “warned of the extreme danger to human life” if activity continued at the site.

Sudan’s gold industry plays a critical role in the country’s fragile economy. Official and NGO sources report that almost all Sudanese gold is exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has faced allegations of supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — accusations the UAE denies.

The ongoing conflict has further devastated Sudan’s economy. Around 1.5 million small-scale miners are responsible for nearly 80% of the country’s gold production, which totaled approximately 64 tonnes in 2024, according to official figures.

With inputs from IANS