A tragic incident unfolded in eastern Mali as a gold mine collapsed, resulting in the loss of many lives and injuries to several individuals. The accident occurred in the Kéniéba district, marking the second major mining disaster in the country this year. Mali, a key player in Africa's gold production, has been shaken by the recent events.
Reports from Malian television and local officials revealed that the collapse took place at the Bilali Koto site in the commune of Dabia. The provisional death toll stands at 42, with numerous others sustaining injuries. The prefect of Kéniéba confirmed the devastating incident, expressing that the current death toll is likely final.
According to community leader Falaye Sissoko, the collapse occurred at a site managed by Chinese nationals, raising questions about the legality of the operation. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic event to determine compliance with mining regulations.
This unfortunate incident follows a similar tragedy less than a month ago in the Koulikoro region, where a landslide claimed the lives of several gold miners, predominantly women. Mali has faced previous mining accidents, including a deadly collapse near the capital, Bamako, last year that resulted in over 70 fatalities.
Gold holds significant economic importance for Mali, accounting for over 80% of the country's total exports in 2021. The mining sector supports more than 2 million individuals, representing over 10% of Mali's population, who rely on it for their livelihoods. Artisanal gold mining, contributing around 30 tons of gold annually, plays a crucial role in Mali's gold production, constituting 6% of the country's yearly output.
