The Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG, has expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the collapse of the informal Al-Zaraa gold mine near Al-Nuhud town in West Kordofan, Sudan.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who is also the leader of the AMSG, the group extended condolences to the families, loved ones and communities of the artisanal miners who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Alake sympathised with the people and authorities of Sudan, describing the incident as a devastating reminder of the dangers faced by informal and artisanal miners across Africa.
He said the reported collapse of interconnected shafts in loose terrain highlights the extreme risks associated with unregulated mining operations, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Alake acknowledged the importance of artisanal mining as an economic lifeline for communities facing conflict and economic hardship, but stressed that mining activities must not come at the expense of human life and safety. He identified the absence of structural engineering standards, safety equipment and regulatory oversight as factors contributing to the vulnerability of informal mining workers.
Alake also expressed concern over the reported difficulties confronting rescue operations, noting that survivors and local responders were relying on rudimentary hand tools due to the lack of heavy excavation machinery.
The Africa Minerals Strategy Group called for the urgent mobilisation of regional and local resources to support rescue operations at the Al-Zaraa mine. The group also urged governments, regional bodies and industry stakeholders across Africa to accelerate the formalisation of artisanal and informal mining operations, as it reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that promote the safe, sustainable and responsible mining, management and processing of Africa’s mineral resources.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
