Mali, January 26— The search for victims in the aftermath of a collapsed illegal gold mine in Mali remains ongoing, with authorities recovering over 80 bodies thus far.
The incident occurred last Friday at an artisanal gold mine in the Kangaba district in the country’s southwest, where a tunnel collapsed, tragically burying dozens of miners, as reported by Mambi Keita, a local councillor. Efforts by rescue teams are focused on locating and aiding any trapped miners in the perilous situation.
Illegal gold mining activities have experienced a significant upswing in Mali, contributing to six metric tons of the country’s total gold production of 66.2 tons in 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Water.
As the search and recovery mission persists, authorities are grappling with the challenges posed by the hazardous conditions at the collapsed mine. The incident underscores the dangers associated with illegal mining operations and highlights the need for enhanced regulatory measures to ensure the safety of those engaged in such activities. The government and relevant authorities are expected to address these concerns as part of ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor mining practices in the country.
