At least 48 people have been killed in a gold mine collapse in western Mali while illegally extracting gold. Several others are still missing, according to authorities.
The incident occurred in the western region of Mali, a country known for its significant gold production. The mine, which was abandoned and previously operated by a Chinese company, collapsed while workers were extracting gold illegally. Many of the victims drowned as the mine collapsed, and some of the dead include a woman and her child.
Local police confirmed the death toll, stating that the mine had been left in an unsafe condition, which contributed to the tragedy. The government is struggling to control unregulated gold mining in the country, which remains a serious issue in Mali, one of Africa’s poorest nations.
Liberty News’ international correspondent states this collapse adds to the growing list of mining accidents in the country, with over 1,800 deaths recorded in similar incidents. In January, another gold mine collapse in southern Mali killed at least 10 people, mostly women. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for missing workers.
LND/BAIZID
