A gold mine collapse in Bilalkoto, Mali, claimed the lives of at least 48 women on February 16, 2025. An unauthorized Caterpillar machine fell onto an artisanal mining site where women were working. Rescue operations continue as the exact death toll is yet to be confirmed, following similar incidents in the region.
On February 16, 2025, a catastrophic collapse at an illegal gold mining site in Bilalkoto, a village in Mali’s Kenieba district, resulted in the deaths of at least 48 individuals, primarily women. Eyewitness reports indicate that a Caterpillar machine fell onto an artisanal mining area where women were engaged in gold extraction. Local sources confirmed that 48 women perished at the scene, and approximately 10 others sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalization.
The local official, who provided information to Xinhua on the condition of anonymity, also noted the varying reports on the death toll, some suggesting as many as 50 fatalities. “It is difficult to confirm an exact toll, as the number could rise due to the severity of some injuries,” he stated. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the situation and provide aid to the injured.
This collapse follows a similar incident on January 29, 2025, in the Kangaba district’s Danga area, where a mining site collapse claimed the lives of around 10 individuals. Such disasters have raised concerns about the safety of artisanal mining operations in the region. The government is under pressure to address the risks associated with illegal mining practices that contribute to such tragedies.
The collapse at the gold mine in Mali highlights the ongoing dangers associated with informal mining operations, particularly those involving vulnerable populations such as women. With rescue efforts still underway, the death toll remains uncertain, emphasizing the urgent need for improved regulations and safety measures in artisanal mining. This incident adds to recent tragedies, reflecting the broader issues of mining safety in the region.
Original Source: www.uniindia.com
