Sudan’s Deadly Gold Mine Collapse: Six Dead, Dozens Trapped

A catastrophic gold mine collapse in northern Sudan’s River Nile state has claimed six lives, with up to 20 people feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The Um Aud area, west of Berber city, was the site of the disaster, which occurred on Friday.

According to Hassan Ibrahim Karar, executive director of the Berber locality, rescue efforts are underway to reach those trapped. The cause of the collapse remains unspecified.

This incident highlights the risks faced by artisanal miners in Sudan, where safety measures are often lacking.

The Country’s gold industry has been impacted by the ongoing conflict between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with both sides financing their war efforts through gold production.

Despite the conflict, Sudan reported record gold production of 64 tonnes in 2024. However, the industry’s growth comes at a humanitarian cost, with millions of Sudanese pushed into acute food insecurity.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, 10 million displaced, and 4 million refugees. The gold industry’s role in financing the war has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact.

As rescue efforts continue, the international community remains concerned about the safety and well-being of miners and civilians affected by the conflict.

Sudan’s gold production plays a significant role in the global market, with the UAE being a major hub for Sudanese Gold. The smuggling of Gold through neighboring Countries has also raised questions about the effectiveness of international regulations.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures and regulations in Sudan’s gold industry to protect the lives of miners and mitigate the humanitarian crisis.