More than 100 people killed in Sudan gold mine collapse
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NSANZIMANA SylverSep 17, 20262 min read
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More than 100 people have died after a gold mine collapsed in Sudan's West Kordofan state. Many more are missing and there are fears the death toll could rise as search operations continue.
The accident occurred in the al-Zara mine, an area controlled by the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) armed group that has been fighting the Sudanese army for more than three years. The area is run by a non-governmental organization, which means that safety regulations are not strictly enforced.
A local official told the Associated Press that the explosion began in one part of the mine on September 13, 2026, and quickly spread to other parts. 82 bodies had been recovered by September 17, 2026.
The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group monitoring the rescue efforts in Sudan, said the mine was being operated by unlicensed miners who lacked basic safety equipment. Some were digging 30 meters deep without helmets or adequate breathing equipment.
Rescue efforts are extremely difficult. There is only one private excavator at the scene of the accident. One of the survivors, Khairal-Sayed Gabara, said that specialized equipment is needed to reach people on the ground.
Sudan is one of Africa's richest countries in gold reserves, but most of the production comes from small-scale mining by unskilled individuals. The ongoing civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese military has made it difficult for the government to effectively control the mines, increasing the risk of accidents.
Sudanese gold is said to be a major source of funding for armed groups. Several UN reports have shown that gold is mined illegally and exported through illegal channels, thereby selling weapons used in a war that has killed thousands.
The tragedy has once again exposed the plight of young miners in Africa. Many are young men who leave rural areas to seek a living in the mines because of poverty. The families of those who lost their loved ones are grieving, and aid agencies are calling for a thorough investigation into the safety of the mines.
Human rights groups are calling for regular inspections of mines and an end to unprotected mining. As search operations continue, the death toll could exceed 100, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.
The accident occurred in the al-Zara mine, an area controlled by the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) armed group that has been fighting the Sudanese army for more than three years. The area is run by a non-governmental organization, which means that safety regulations are not strictly enforced.A local official told the Associated Press that the explosion began in one part of the mine on September 13, 2026, and quickly spread to other parts. 82 bodies had been recovered by September 17, 2026.
The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group monitoring the rescue efforts in Sudan, said the mine was being operated by unlicensed miners who lacked basic safety equipment. Some were digging 30 meters deep without helmets or adequate breathing equipment.
Rescue efforts are extremely difficult. There is only one private excavator at the scene of the accident. One of the survivors, Khairal-Sayed Gabara, said that specialized equipment is needed to reach people on the ground.
Sudan is one of Africa's richest countries in gold reserves, but most of the production comes from small-scale mining by unskilled individuals. The ongoing civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese military has made it difficult for the government to effectively control the mines, increasing the risk of accidents.
Sudanese gold is said to be a major source of funding for armed groups. Several UN reports have shown that gold is mined illegally and exported through illegal channels, thereby selling weapons used in a war that has killed thousands.
The tragedy has once again exposed the plight of young miners in Africa. Many are young men who leave rural areas to seek a living in the mines because of poverty. The families of those who lost their loved ones are grieving, and aid agencies are calling for a thorough investigation into the safety of the mines.
Human rights groups are calling for regular inspections of mines and an end to unprotected mining. As search operations continue, the death toll could exceed 100, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.
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NSANZIMANA Sylver
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