At least 48 dead in Mali goldmine collapse

At least 48 people have lost their lives following the collapse of an illegally operated goldmine in western Mali, local authorities and sources have confirmed.

The disaster occurred on Saturday at a disused site previously run by a Chinese company, according to reports. Search and rescue teams are still working to recover victims, with fears that more people may be trapped.

A police source told AFP that some of the deceased had fallen into water, including a woman carrying her baby. A local official and the Kenieba goldminers' association have also confirmed the toll.

Mali, one of Africa’s leading gold producers, has long struggled with the dangers of unregulated mining. Fatal accidents are frequent, with landslides and tunnel collapses posing significant risks.

In January, a landslide at a goldmine in the south of the country claimed at least 10 lives, with many more reported missing. A year earlier, more than 70 people were killed in a similar tragedy in the same region as Saturday’s collapse.

Authorities continue to face challenges in regulating illegal mining, which remains a major part of the country’s economy despite safety concerns.