At Least 50 Killed in Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Amid Rescue Challenges

KHARTOUM|| June 30: At least 50 people have been killed following the collapse of a gold mine in northeastern Sudan, local media reported on Sunday. The tragedy occurred on Saturday in the Howaid Desert region of Nile River State, an area known for unregulated and artisanal mining operations.

According to the Alrakoba news outlet, the mine gave way as miners were working deep within the site. Witnesses described a sudden and massive collapse of sand and rocks, burying dozens of workers underneath.

Witnesses told local media that the lack of heavy machinery and trained personnel has hampered efforts to rescue survivors and recover bodies. The site, like many others across Sudan, operates informally with minimal safety precautions or government oversight.

“A similar collapse happened just two months ago at this very location,” one witness said, referring to an earlier incident that caused several injuries but no reported fatalities.

The latest disaster has reignited concerns over poor infrastructure, hazardous conditions, and weak regulatory enforcement at Sudan’s artisanal mining sites, where thousands of workers operate under dangerous conditions in search of gold.

Sudan is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, but much of its mining sector remains informal and poorly regulated, posing serious risks to workers and local communities.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement or death toll.