Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Kills 11 in Red Sea State

At least 11 miners have died and seven others were injured following the collapse of a gold mine in northeastern Sudan, officials confirmed Sunday. The incident occurred at the Kersh al-Feel mining site in the Houeid region, situated between the cities of Atbara and Haya in Red Sea State.

The state-run Mineral Resources Company stated that the mine had previously been shut down due to safety violations. The exact time of the collapse has not been disclosed.

In a public statement, the company reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing oversight of mining operations across the country and urged all miners to comply with existing safety and environmental regulations.

Sudan’s Gold Industry: Vital but Vulnerable

Sudan’s gold mining sector is a cornerstone of its struggling economy, but it is also fraught with risks. Much of the mining is carried out informally by artisanal miners—estimated at around 1.5 million people nationwide—who often work with outdated tools in hazardous, unregulated conditions.

Despite these dangers, traditional mining methods account for approximately 80% of Sudan’s gold output. In 2024, Sudan produced an estimated 64 tonnes of gold, making it one of Africa’s leading gold producers.

Lack of Oversight Amid Political Crisis

Since the 2021 military coup and the onset of civil conflict, Sudan has faced deepening political and economic instability. The ongoing crisis has weakened government institutions and reduced regulatory enforcement across several sectors, including mining. As a result, safety protocols are often overlooked, putting thousands of workers at risk.

The collapse at Kersh al-Feel underscores long-standing concerns over labor conditions and regulatory lapses in Sudan’s mining industry, particularly in remote areas where government presence is minimal.