At least 60 killed in gold mine collapse in West Kordofan, Sudan
Rescuers search remote site as authorities say death toll may rise while safety shortcomings in Sudanese mines are highlighted.
At least 60 people have died after a gold mine collapsed in the West Kordofan region of Sudan, authorities and local contacts said. The accident occurred in a remote mining area where rescue teams continue to recover bodies and search through debris.
Initial reports say the death toll could grow because it remains unclear how many miners were inside the workings at the time of the collapse. Local sources confirmed that at least 60 people were killed.
The mine is located in West Kordofan, a region rich in gold where artisanal and small‑scale mining is a crucial source of income for many communities.
Rescue operations and safety concerns
Rescuers are still working at the site, while officials try to determine the exact number of people who were underground. Access and the remote location are complicating recovery efforts.
Reports indicate that conditions in many of Sudan's mines are harsh and that some mining activity takes place without adequate safety standards. That lack of regulation and oversight has been linked to previous accidents.
Sudan has faced prolonged security and economic challenges, and gold mining has continued amid conflict and limited oversight. Authorities warned the toll is provisional and could increase once rescue operations are completed.
Photo: SP arhiva
