At least 60 people have died after a gold mine collapsed in southern Sudan, survivors told AFP on Wednesday.
Many more miners are still missing and feared dead under the rubble.
The mine shafts began collapsing on Tuesday while dozens of small-scale miners were underground.
By Wednesday morning, rescuers had recovered 60 bodies.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Surviving miners worked through the night to recover victims.
Khair al-Sayyed Jabara, one of the survivors, said rescuers were struggling without heavy machinery.
He said more people could still be trapped beneath the rocks and soil.
Another miner, Al-Amin Suleiman, said the mine shafts were built close together.
He said the collapse of one shaft caused nearby shafts to collapse as well.
Dangerous Mining Conditions
The disaster occurred at the Al-Zaraa mine in West Kordofan.
The region has many unregulated gold mining sites.
Thousands of young Sudanese rely on small-scale mining for income.
Miners often work with basic tools and limited safety equipment.
They also face exposure to hazardous chemicals, including mercury and cyanide.
Mine collapses are common across Sudan, particularly at abandoned or unofficial mining sites.
Gold Trade Fuels Sudan’s War
Sudan’s gold industry has become a major source of revenue during the country’s ongoing war.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023.
Both sides have been accused of benefiting from Sudan’s gold trade.
The United Nations has warned that control over natural resources is helping sustain the conflict.
Most Gold Comes From Small-Scale Mining
Artisanal and small-scale miners produce much of Sudan’s gold.
Industry figures indicate that more than two million people worked in the sector before the war.
Sudan is one of Africa’s major gold producers.
The country reportedly produced about 70 tonnes of gold last year.
However, much of the country’s gold is believed to leave through smuggling networks.
Gold is reportedly transported through neighbouring countries before reaching international markets.
International Action Against Illegal Gold Trade
The European Union banned the export and transfer of mercury and cyanide to Sudan in July.
The UK and EU have also imposed sanctions linked to Sudan’s gold trade.
British officials said some illicit gold and financial networks help fund weapons purchases and military operations.
The ongoing conflict has pushed millions of Sudanese into severe food insecurity.
The mine collapse highlights the dangers faced by workers who depend on Sudan’s informal gold industry for survival.
