At least 60 individuals have lost their lives following the collapse of a gold mine in Sudan’s West Kordofan region. The incident occurred on Sunday at a remote mining site located north of al-Nuhud, where miners were working in makeshift shafts with minimal safety precautions.

The high death toll has been linked to the lack of fundamental safety protocols and insufficient rescue equipment at the site. Sudan ranks among Africa’s leading gold producers, but much of its gold extraction is carried out through artisanal and small-scale mining operations.

Notably, gold mining has become a vital source of income amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Large quantities of gold are reportedly smuggled out of the country through informal channels, complicating the economic landscape.

West Kordofan, the site of the recent collapse, is under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for whom gold production represents a significant revenue stream. Meanwhile, Sudan continues to endure a devastating conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, which has severely disrupted economic activities and damaged infrastructure and public services across much of the country.

In a significant development, the remote location of the mine and the lack of adequate rescue resources have hindered efforts to recover those trapped beneath the collapsed tunnels. The combination of conflict and poor safety standards has exacerbated the tragedy, highlighting the risks faced by miners in the region.