At least 82 people have been killed after a gold mine collapsed in Sudan’s West Kordofan State, with dozens more injured and an unknown number feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Rescue workers and fellow miners reportedly worked through the night using basic tools to search for survivors and recover victims from the collapsed mine.
About 60 bodies had been recovered by dawn, while another 22 were found on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 82, according to local authorities.
A local administrator said around 50 people were injured in the incident, while the number of miners still missing remained unclear.
The disaster has highlighted the risks associated with Sudan’s largely unregulated gold-mining sector, where millions of people depend on small-scale mining for their livelihoods.
Miners frequently operate in unstable shafts with limited safety equipment and rudimentary tools, increasing the risk of mine collapses and other accidents.
Gold has also assumed greater importance in Sudan’s economy amid the country’s ongoing war, with the precious metal serving as an important source of revenue for both sides of the conflict.
Much of Sudan’s gold is reportedly smuggled out of the country, with the United Arab Emirates identified as a major destination for the trade.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by the lack of heavy machinery required to clear the collapsed site and reach anyone who may remain trapped underground.
The operation has therefore become a race against time in a region already severely affected by the prolonged conflict.
