11 Miners Killed in Sudan Gold Mine Collapse
At least 11 workers lost their lives and seven others were injured after a gold mine collapsed in eastern Sudan’s Red Sea State. The fatal incident occurred at the Kersh al-Feel mine near the town of Houeid, situated between Atbara and Haya. The victims were working in a shallow artisanal shaft when part of it gave way, trapping several miners beneath the debris.
Collapse at Informal Mining Site
The mine, part of Sudanese Mineral Resources Limited Company’s jurisdiction, had been flagged for safety issues in the past. It was previously suspended over hazardous conditions but operations continued through informal mining efforts. The collapse highlights a recurring pattern of neglect and lack of oversight in Sudan’s burgeoning but poorly regulated gold mining sector.
Mining had resumed in the shaft despite official suspension orders, with safety precautions either ignored or insufficient. Makeshift supports and rudimentary tunnels, often constructed without engineering input, have made such informal sites increasingly dangerous.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The collapse was sudden and severe, leaving no time for escape. Rescue teams were able to recover the bodies of the deceased and transport the injured to nearby health facilities. Authorities have halted all mining activities in the area and reiterated safety directives to prevent further tragedies.
This incident mirrors previous disasters in Sudan’s gold mining sector. In 2021, 38 miners were killed in a similar collapse. Another tragic incident in 2023 claimed the lives of 14 workers. Despite these repeated warnings from the past, enforcement of safety standards remains minimal in artisanal operations.
Human Cost of a Profitable Sector
Gold mining remains one of Sudan’s largest industries, employing over 1.5 million people. In 2024 alone, Sudan produced 64 tonnes of gold, a record figure that has provided crucial funding for both sides of the ongoing civil conflict. Yet, this economic windfall has come at the cost of human lives, often those of impoverished workers in dangerous conditions.
