Six killed, 20 trapped in Sudan gold mine collapse
At least six people have died and up to 20 others are feared trapped after a gold mine collapsed in northern Sudan, local authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident happened on Friday in the Um Aud area, west of Berber city in River Nile state. Hassan Ibrahim Karar, executive director of Berber locality, said rescue efforts were underway but did not disclose the cause of the collapse. The accident highlights the dangers of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Sudan, where poor safety standards and the use of hazardous chemicals pose serious risks to workers and nearby communities. Since the outbreak of fighting in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both groups have heavily relied on the gold industry to fund their war efforts. Nearly all of Sudan’s gold is exported through the United […]