Illegally operated Gold Mine Collapses in Mali claimed the lives of at least 48 people on Saturday, highlighting the ongoing dangers of unregulated mining in the country.
According to officials, the victims were predominantly young women, including a mother carrying her child on her back at the time of the collapse. The accident took place at an abandoned mine, previously operated by a Chinese company, and has reignited concerns over the safety risks posed by illicit mining operations in Mali.
Authorities and local sources confirmed that the mine was being exploited illegally, despite its previous closure. The collapse has drawn attention to the precarious working conditions of artisanal miners, who continue to risk their lives in hazardous environments to extract gold.
The Kenieba gold prospectors’ association, represented by Boubacar Keita, stated that such operations often occur with some level of complicity, raising questions about the enforcement of mining regulations in Mali. As rescue operations continued, the head of a local environmental organization emphasized that more victims might still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The Dangers of Artisanal Mining in Mali
Mali is one of Africa’s leading gold producers, with gold mining playing a crucial role in its economy. The country’s mining sector contributes more than 80% of its total exports, making it a vital source of revenue.
However, much of this industry remains unregulated, with thousands of miners engaging in artisanal and small-scale mining using rudimentary techniques. These unregulated mining activities pose severe risks, including fatal accidents, environmental degradation, and even security threats.
The recent collapse in western Mali is not an isolated incident. In January 2024, another gold mine accident left over 70 people dead, while a similar landslide in southern Mali claimed at least 10 lives.
Read : South Africa Declined to Help 4,000 Miners Running Out of Food Inside Closed Mine
Artisanal miners often dig deep, unsupported tunnels, making the mines highly susceptible to collapse. Without proper oversight and safety measures, such incidents continue to occur, endangering the lives of thousands of workers.
🇲🇱❗ At least 48 people have been killed in a collapse at an illegally operated #goldmine in western #Mali.
— News.Az (@news_az) February 16, 2025
The accident occurred on abandoned land previously owned by a #Chinese company. pic.twitter.com/ERwHJVyO4r
Despite repeated warnings from authorities, many impoverished communities rely on gold mining for their livelihood. With rising global demand for precious metals, these illegal operations have proliferated, drawing in individuals desperate to make a living. However, the lack of safety protocols and the use of outdated equipment make such mining ventures extremely hazardous.
Impact on Communities and the Environment
The consequences of illegal gold mining extend beyond the immediate loss of life. The environmental impact of unregulated mining is severe, with deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation becoming common issues in mining regions.
The use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide in gold extraction contaminates water sources, affecting both human populations and wildlife.
Additionally, the economic and social consequences of mining disasters are profound. Families lose their primary breadwinners, leaving them in deeper poverty.
The lack of formal employment opportunities forces many to continue working in dangerous conditions despite the risks. Women and children, often among the most vulnerable groups, are disproportionately affected by these tragedies.
Security concerns have also been raised regarding unregulated mining in Mali. There are growing fears that profits from illegal mining could be funding extremist groups operating in the northern regions of the country. The Malian government has struggled to crack down on illicit activities, with many mining sites operating under the radar of regulatory bodies.
The Need for Stronger Regulations and Safety Measures
The collapse of the illegally operated gold mine has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement in Mali’s mining sector.
While the government has made efforts to formalize the industry and bring artisanal miners into legal frameworks, significant challenges remain. Corruption, lack of resources, and vast unmonitored mining areas make enforcement difficult.
There have been calls for better safety measures, including reinforced mining structures, regular inspections, and training for miners. International organizations and environmental groups have also urged Mali to implement stricter policies to protect both workers and the environment.
Some experts suggest that providing alternative economic opportunities for mining communities could reduce dependence on dangerous artisanal mining.
The tragedy in western Mali serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of unregulated mining. Without immediate action, similar disasters will continue to claim lives, leaving families devastated and communities struggling to recover.
The Malian government, along with international partners, must take urgent steps to address these issues and ensure that gold mining—one of the country’s most valuable industries—does not become a death trap for its people.