Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Kills 67; Several Miners Feared Trapped

At least 67 people were killed after a gold mine collapsed in Sudan’s West Kordofan province. The incident took place at the Al-Jara gold mine in the city of Nuhud. According to a local medical group and survivors, part of the mine suddenly collapsed late Tuesday night. Several people are feared trapped under the rubble, while rescue and relief operations are still underway.

Miners Still Feared Trapped Underground

Local sources said several miners remain missing following the collapse. The medical group has warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Local residents said some workers may still be alive underground and need to be rescued quickly.

According to Reuters, local rights group Kordofan Observatory said several mining tunnels around the Al-Jara mine had collapsed. The group said more than 70 small-scale miners had either died or were missing.

Locals Attempt Rescue With Basic Tools

Witnesses said one person managed to escape from the mine on Tuesday and reported that some other miners were still trapped underground. Local residents attempted rescue operations using basic tools, but the sandy and unstable ground made the effort difficult. Reports said that no specially trained rescue team had reached the site so far.

Lack of Safety Measures Raises Concerns

Three local sources cited a lack of safety regulations and rescue equipment at the mine as a major factor behind the high number of deaths. Sudan is one of Africa’s major gold-producing countries, but much of its gold is extracted through small-scale, unorganised and risky mining.

According to the local rights group, gold produced through mining activities is largely smuggled out of the country. Gold trading is also economically important in West Kordofan, with mining revenue considered an important source of income for the RSF, which controls the area.