Tragic Gold Mine Collapse in Sudan Claims Eleven Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of artisanal mining during ongoing civil unrest, eleven miners were killed and seven others injured in a partial collapse of a gold mine in Sudan's northeastern region. The collapse occurred over the weekend in the Kirsh al-Fil mine, located near the SAF-controlled cities of Atbara and Haiya, according to a statement from the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC) on June 29, 2025.

The incident marks yet another grim chapter in Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has persisted since April 2023, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both factions have relied heavily on the country's gold resources to fund their military operations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining economic stability.

In a statement, the SMRC noted that the collapse occurred in an “artisanal shaft,” a type of mining operation that is often unregulated and lacks basic safety measures. The SMRC had previously warned that operations at this site posed significant dangers. “We had suspended work in the mine due to its risks, but artisanal mining is often difficult to control,” stated Ahmed Nour, spokesperson for the SMRC.

Artisanal and small-scale mining accounts for a substantial portion of Sudan's gold production, contributing to the livelihoods of millions. However, the lack of oversight and safety standards in these mining operations has led to numerous fatalities over the years. Similar mining collapses occurred in 2023 and 2021, resulting in 14 and 38 deaths, respectively.

According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Economics at Harvard University, the ongoing conflict has severely impacted the traditional mining sector. “Before the war, artisanal mining employed over two million people, but the violence has forced many miners to work in unsafe conditions or abandon their jobs altogether,” she explained.

Sudan is one of Africa's largest gold producers, with significant amounts of gold traded through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has faced accusations of supporting the RSF. The UAE, however, has denied these allegations. Despite the ongoing war and the humanitarian crisis—where more than 25 million people face food insecurity—Sudan's government announced a record gold production of 64 tonnes in 2024, a statistic that raises questions about the ethical implications of such production amid conflict.

The humanitarian implications of the conflict are dire, with over 13 million people displaced in what the UN describes as the world's largest displacement crisis. More than four million have fled to neighboring countries, further straining regional resources.

As the civil war continues, the safety of miners remains precarious. The lack of regulation in artisanal mining not only poses immediate dangers to the workers but also highlights the broader implications of a conflict-driven economy that continues to exploit vulnerable populations. The international community must address the humanitarian crisis and the underlying issues that lead to such deadly incidents in Sudan’s mining sector.

The situation remains fluid as the SAF and RSF continue to vie for control over territory and resources in Sudan, with the fate of millions hanging in the balance. The need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks and humanitarian interventions is more urgent than ever to prevent further tragedies in the region.