More than 60 people have been killed after a gold mine collapsed in Sudan’s West Kordofan state, according to a local medical group, with rescue teams continuing to search for people who may still be trapped underground.
The Sudan Doctors Network said on Wednesday that more than 67 people had been killed when the Al-Zara gold mine collapsed near the town of Al-Nuhud.
It said search operations were continuing for survivors and people trapped beneath the rubble, and warned that the death toll could rise.
The network said the mine lacked basic safety measures and adequate equipment for rescue operations. It criticised what it described as unsafe and unregulated mining practices in areas controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The group called for rescue operations to continue and for medical and logistical support to be provided to those affected.
The exact number of people still missing is unclear.
Reuters, citing local sources, reported that at least 60 people were killed in the collapse. Survivors also told AFP that 60 bodies had been recovered and that more people were believed to remain trapped.
The reports also differ over the timing of the collapse. Local sources cited by Reuters said it occurred on Sunday, while survivors quoted by AFP and the Sudan Doctors Network said it happened on Tuesday.
Artisanal and small-scale mining is widespread in Sudan and provides a livelihood for large numbers of people. The sector is often associated with dangerous working conditions and limited safety equipment.
Sudan is one of Africa’s major gold producers, but much of its gold comes from artisanal mining. The country’s gold sector has also become increasingly important during the war that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
West Kordofan is among the areas controlled by the RSF. Gold mining has been identified as an important source of revenue for the paramilitary group.
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