A major tragedy occurred in a gold mine in West Kordofan, Sudan, resulting in at least 67 fatalities. This incident took place near the city of Al-Nahud in West Kordofan, and search operations to rescue survivors are still ongoing.
Details of the Incident and Risks Due to Lack of Safety
According to reports from the Sudanese Doctors Network, this mine is under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The network stated in a statement that the cause of this incident was the failure to adhere to safety standards and the lack of appropriate equipment to protect workers. The network also warned that, given the current situation, the number of victims may increase.
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Response to the Crisis and Accountability of Officials
The Sudanese Doctors Network has strongly criticized the negligence that has endangered the lives of workers and has called for the continuation of search and rescue operations. They also urged the controlling authorities in the region to take responsibility for the protection of civilians and mine workers and to halt unlicensed mining activities to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Traditional mining in Sudan employs over two million people under harsh conditions and accounts for about 80 percent of the country's gold production. Although the Sudanese government has not officially banned traditional mining, it is seeking to regulate this sector that supports the livelihoods of many Sudanese.
Gold has become the main source of foreign currency for Sudan after the independence of South Sudan in July 2011 and the loss of three-quarters of oil revenues. Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a war between the army and RSF forces, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced around 13 million people.
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