Mali Gold Mine Collapse Kills 48 Amid Growing Concerns Over Illegal Mining

Bamako, Mali – February 16, 2025 – At least 48 people have died in a tragic gold mine collapse in western Mali, officials confirmed. The accident occurred at an abandoned mining site near the town of Kéniéba in Mali’s Kayes region, an area known for its rich gold reserves. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for victims, with reports indicating that several people, including a mother and her baby, fell into the water following the collapse.

Dangerous Conditions in Illegal Mining Operations

The site, previously operated by a Chinese company, had been abandoned, but local artisanal miners—mostly women—had descended into the open pits in search of gold. Witnesses say the mine’s walls suddenly caved in, burying dozens of workers under tons of debris.

According to Taoule Camara, secretary general of Mali’s national union of gold counters and refineries, the women were scavenging for gold in dangerous conditions when the collapse occurred.

A Mali Ministry of Mines representative confirmed the incident but declined to provide additional details, as investigation teams are still assessing the situation on-site.

Recurring Mining Tragedies in Mali

This latest disaster adds to a growing pattern of deadly mining accidents in Mali. In January 2025, 13 artisanal miners, including three children, were killed when a tunnel collapsed and flooded in southwestern Mali. In 2024, another 70 miners lost their lives in a similar tragedy.

Despite these incidents, illegal mining operations continue to thrive, as rising gold prices and a lack of economic opportunities push many Malians—especially women and children—into unsafe working conditions.

Mali’s Struggle to Regulate Artisanal Mining

Mali is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, with industrial-scale mining contributing significantly to the country’s economy. However, artisanal mining remains largely unregulated, posing serious risks to both miners and local communities.

Authorities have struggled to enforce safety regulations and control illegal mining activities, which often take place in abandoned industrial mining sites. The government has attempted crackdowns in the past, but with limited success.

The latest collapse highlights urgent concerns about mine safety, regulation enforcement, and the growing number of fatalities in informal mining operations. As authorities continue to investigate, families of the victims are left mourning yet another preventable tragedy.