Forty-two fatalities and multiple injuries reported after gold mine collapse in Mali

BAMAKO, Mali — A tragic incident occurred in eastern Mali where a gold mine experienced a collapse, resulting in the death of numerous individuals and injuring many others, as reported by local media and officials from the Kéniéba district where the disaster took place. This marks the second significant mining accident this year in Mali, which stands as one of the continent’s leading gold producers.

On Saturday evening, local television revealed that a mining site located at Bilali Koto in the Dabia commune had collapsed, with initial reports indicating a death toll of 42 and many others injured. The prefect of Kéniéba, representing the government in the area, confirmed these details, indicating that the number of fatalities is likely final. “The confirmed death toll of 42 should hold,” remarked Mohamed Dicko on Sunday.

Community leader Falaye Sissoko stated, “The accident transpired yesterday, Saturday. It involved a landslide at a location managed by Chinese operators.” Dicko added that authorities are currently assessing the legality of the mine’s operations.

This incident is the second of its kind within a month in Mali. A landslide on January 29 resulted in fatalities among several gold miners, predominantly women, in the Koulikoro region located in southern Mali. Additionally, an unregulated mine collapsed near the capital, Bamako, last January, claiming the lives of over 70 individuals.

Concerns have been rising regarding the possibility that unregulated mining in northern Mali could financially benefit extremist groups active in that region. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, gold is Mali’s leading export, accounting for more than 80% of the country’s total exports in 2021. The report also highlights that over 2 million people, which is more than 10% of Mali’s population, rely on the mining sector for their livelihoods.

Artisanal gold mining in Mali is estimated to yield approximately 30 tons of gold each year, making up about 6% of the nation’s annual gold production. This indicates the significance of the mining sector to many local communities and the economy as a whole.