Over 40 Killed in Mali Gold Mine Collapse

More than 40 people, mostly women, lost their lives on Saturday when an illegal gold mine collapsed in western Mali.

The tragic incident occurred near Kenieba in the Kayes region, a gold-rich area of the country. According to a gold miners’ union leader, the victims had entered abandoned open-pit mines left by industrial operators to search for leftover gold when the ground gave way.

This marks Mali’s second major mining disaster in less than a month. In late January, at least 10 people were killed when a mining tunnel flooded.

As one of the world’s top gold producers, Mali sees frequent mining-related accidents, particularly in unregulated sites where unsafe methods are commonly used.

Authorities have yet to provide further details on rescue efforts or potential measures to improve safety in the sector.