In a devastating incident in Mali, 43 people, mainly women, lost their lives due to the collapse of an artisanal gold mine in the Kayes region. The accident occurred while the victims were scavenging for gold scraps in open pits. This tragedy highlights the dangers of unregulated artisanal mining, which has seen increasing popularity amid rising metal prices.
A tragic incident in Mali resulted in the deaths of 43 individuals, predominantly women, following the collapse of an artisanal gold mine. The disaster occurred near Kenieba in the Kayes region, as confirmed by Taoule Camara, the secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries. The victims were searching for leftover gold in abandoned pits when the collapse happened.
A spokesperson from the mines ministry acknowledged the occurrence of the accident but did not provide additional specifics, highlighting that teams on the ground had yet to file an official report. The artisanal mining sector in West Africa has been increasingly profitable, attracting many individuals seeking their fortune amidst rising global demand for metals.
However, the methods employed in artisanal mining are often unregulated, leading to frequent and deadly accidents. Earlier this year, another event in southwest Mali saw the deaths of 13 artisanal miners, including women and children, when a digging tunnel filled with water. The dangerous nature of these operations raises concerns about the ongoing safety and regulation in this booming sector.
The collapse of the artisanal gold mine in Mali underscores the perilous conditions faced by miners in the region. With rising demand for gold and the lucrative nature of artisanal mining, it remains critical to address the regulatory gaps and safety issues that have resulted in repeated tragedies. Enhanced oversight and safer practices could mitigate the risks associated with artisanal mining.
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