Sudan Gold Mine Collapse: AMSG Mourns Miners, Demands Safer Artisanal Mining
Families in Sudan’s West Kordofan State are facing grief and uncertainty after a gold mine collapse reportedly killed dozens of artisanal miners, with several others feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident occurred at the Al-Zaraa gold mine near Al-Nuhud town, where interconnected mine shafts reportedly collapsed in loose terrain, leaving miners caught underground.
The Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG, described the incident as a devastating human tragedy and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dele Alake, the Group extended condolences to the families, loved ones and communities of the victims, as well as the people and authorities of Sudan.
The AMSG said the tragedy highlights the dangerous conditions faced by millions of informal and artisanal miners across Africa, many of whom depend on mining as a source of livelihood.
While acknowledging that artisanal mining provides an important economic lifeline for communities dealing with conflict and economic hardship, the Group stressed that earning a living from mineral resources should not come at the expense of human life and dignity.
According to the AMSG, the absence of basic structural engineering standards, protective equipment and effective regulatory oversight at remote mining sites contributes to preventable accidents and exposes workers to unacceptable risks.
The Group called on governments, regional institutions and industry stakeholders to work together to bring informal mining activities into a more regulated framework, including through training, basic safety standards and stronger institutional oversight.
It stressed that human life must take precedence over mineral extraction, particularly in conflict-affected communities where workers are already exposed to difficult economic and security conditions.
The AMSG reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote the responsible mining, management and processing of Africa’s mineral resources while protecting the dignity and safety of the people who work in the sector.
The Group said it stands in solidarity with the grieving families and communities in West Kordofan following the tragedy.
