Gold mine collapse in Sudan's West Kordofan kills at least 60
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A gold mine collapsed on September 15 near El-Nahud in Sudan's West Kordofan state, killing at least 60 miners. Rescue workers recovered 60 bodies by the following morning, and dozens more may remain trapped under the rubble.
Key Facts
- The collapse occurred on September 15 at the Al-Zaraa mine near El-Nahud in West Kordofan state.
- At least 60 miners were killed, and dozens more may still be trapped under the rubble.
- Rescue workers recovered 60 bodies by the morning of September 16, with one source reporting 63 bodies recovered.
- The mine is located in an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is in conflict with the Sudanese army.
- Sudan is one of Africa's largest gold producers, but much of its gold is extracted using hazardous traditional mining methods.
Collapse and Casualties
The collapse began on Tuesday, September 15, at the Al-Zaraa mine near El-Nahud in West Kordofan. Rock suddenly gave way, blocking tunnels one after another. By the morning of September 16, rescuers had recovered the bodies of 60 victims. A second source reported that 63 bodies had been pulled from the rubble by the following morning. Dozens of miners may still be trapped underground, according to witnesses.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue work continued through the night, with people digging by hand and risking further collapse. Survivor Khair al-Sayed Jabara said no one could say exactly how many people remained below. He participated in the overnight operation, pulling comrades from the dusty stone trap. Witnesses reported panic, screams, and moans at the site, along with the smell of dust and wet rock. Search operations are continuing with primitive tools, but heavy machinery is needed to clear the debris.
Context and Risks
The mine is located in West Kordofan, an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is fighting the Sudanese army. Gold mining is a major source of income in RSF-controlled West Kordofan. Sudan is one of Africa's largest gold producers, but much of its gold is extracted using hazardous traditional mining methods.