At least 43 people, mostly women, lost their lives in a devastating mine collapse near Kenieba in Mali’s gold-rich Kayes region on Saturday. The tragedy occurred when artisanal miners, searching for leftover gold in abandoned industrial pits, were trapped under collapsing earth, according to Taoule Camara, secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries (UCROM).
The Ministry of Mines confirmed the incident but refrained from providing further details, stating that official reports from the scene were still pending. This latest disaster highlights the severe risks associated with artisanal mining, a widespread practice across West Africa that has grown increasingly lucrative due to rising global demand for precious metals.
Artisanal mining, while providing income to thousands of people in Mali, often operates in hazardous conditions with little to no regulation. Miners frequently dig tunnels and pits without adequate safety measures, leaving them vulnerable to collapses, flooding, and other deadly accidents. In January, a similar incident claimed the lives of thirteen miners, including women and children, when a tunnel flooded in southwest Mali.
The Kenieba accident underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and safety measures within the artisanal mining sector. Industrial miners often leave behind open pits that are later exploited by local miners, who lack the necessary equipment and protective measures to work safely. The government has made efforts to regulate the industry, but enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources and the remote locations of many mining sites.
Mali is one of Africa’s top gold producers, with mining contributing significantly to its economy. However, artisanal mining remains largely informal, attracting thousands of people who see it as their primary source of livelihood. The growing demand for gold, coupled with economic hardships, has pushed more individuals—especially women—into this dangerous practice.
Humanitarian organizations and mining safety advocates have long called for stricter oversight and support for artisanal miners. Providing safer alternatives, implementing training programs, and ensuring that abandoned mining sites are properly rehabilitated could help prevent further loss of life.
As rescue teams continue their efforts at the collapsed site, families mourn the tragic loss of their loved ones. The Malian government now faces renewed pressure to improve safety standards and ensure that such devastating accidents do not become a recurring nightmare for communities reliant on artisanal mining.
