Sudan Gold Mine Collapses Again In A Week, 11 Miners Killed And 30 Injured

Sudan: A major accident occurred in a gold mine in Sudan, an African country suffering from civil war. A part of a gold mine suddenly collapsed in a remote area of ​​eastern Sudan. At least 11 miners died in the accident, while about 30 workers are said to be injured. Relief and rescue teams are busy searching for people trapped under the debris.

How many people lost their lives and how many were injured in the accident?

According to local officials, the accident occurred in the remote Oni area of ​​Red Sea state. The mine has been sinking since Saturday night. It was feared that many people were buried under the debris. Relief and rescue operations were carried out at the local level, during which several bodies were pulled out and about 30 people were rescued safely.

An official of a mining company also confirmed the accident and expressed grief over the loss of life and property.

Why are accidents in mines increasing in Sudan?

Gold is produced extensively in Sudan, but a large number of small and informal mines also exist in many parts of the country. Many times safety rules are not followed adequately in these mines. This is the reason why there is a danger of mine collapse and other accidents.

Miners operating locally often work with limited resources and safety equipment, further increasing the risks.

Had there been a mine collapse accident in Sudan before?

This is said to be the second major incident of mine collapse in Sudan in recent times. Earlier on Sunday, a series of mines had collapsed in the western part of the country. 82 people died in that accident.

It is said that the area concerned is under the control of Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting with the Sudanese Army for a long time.

How much has the war affected Sudan's mining sector?

There has been widespread destruction in the country since the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023. According to estimates from various monitoring and aid organisations, at least 59,000 people have lost their lives in this war so far, while the actual number is expected to be higher.

Government order and security monitoring have been affected in many areas due to the war. In such an environment, implementing effective controls and safety standards on mining activities also remains challenging.

Why is gold trading so important in Sudan?

Gold is one of the major sources of Sudan's economy and exports. Gold is produced on a large scale in the country, but thousands of small and informal mines also operate along with it.

Experts associated with the United Nations have also drawn attention to large-scale gold smuggling in Sudan. According to reports, a portion of the gold proceeds are suspected to be reaching armed groups involved in the conflict.