Over 40 people, primarily women, lost their lives on Saturday when an illegal gold mine collapsed in Mali.
The incident occurred near Kenieba in Mali’s gold-rich western Kayes region.
According to a gold miners’ union leader, the victims had ventured into open-pit areas abandoned by industrial miners to search for gold remnants when the surrounding earth caved in.
This marks Mali’s second major mining tragedy in three weeks, following a tunnel flooding in late January that claimed at least 10 lives.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the death toll. While a local police source told AFP that 48 people died, an industry union leader reported 43 fatalities to Reuters.
“Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back,” the local police source told AFP.
Mali is one of the biggest gold producers in the world. Accidents are common in the country as much mining activity is unregulated, with miners using unsafe methods to dig for gold.
Just over a year ago, a mining tunnel collapse in Mali claimed the lives of at least 40 people.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Mines confirmed to Reuters that the latest accident occurred between Kenieba and Dabia but declined to provide further details.
Ministry teams are currently conducting investigations at the site, according to Reuters.
The collapse on Saturday took place at an abandoned site previously operated by a Chinese company, as reported by AFP.
China remains significantly involved in Mali’s mining sector with government backing.
Meanwhile, Mali is embroiled in a revenue-sharing dispute with Barrick, a major Canadian mining company.
Last month, the Malian government seized gold bars valued at $245 million (£194 million) from Barrick and issued an arrest warrant for its CEO, Mark Bristow.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Bristow expressed confidence that the conflict would be resolved.