At Least 60 Miners Dead After Sudan Gold Mine Collapse

The collapse of several shafts at the al-Zara mine in Sudan’s West Kordofan state has left at least 60 artisanal miners dead, according to the Kordofan Observatory. While one survivor emerged on Tuesday, local residents continue to dig through unstable, sandy soil with basic tools in a desperate search for others.

Editorial·September 16, 2026·reads: 776

At Least 60 Miners Dead After Sudan Gold Mine Collapse

The disaster occurred in the Fouja area, northwest of al-Nuhud, where the fragile terrain has hampered any professional rescue response. Rights groups indicate that dozens remain missing or trapped beneath the debris, yet no specialized equipment has reached the site to assist the community-led recovery efforts.

Sudan ranks among Africa’s primary gold producers, though the sector is dominated by artisanal operations that frequently bypass safety standards. This incident highlights the extreme risks inherent in the industry, which serves as a vital revenue source for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces currently holding control over this region.