Full Breakdown
Sudan’s Gold Mine Collapses Highlight Deadly Risks Amid War-Driven Economic Crisis
By Drooid · · How we work
The Recent Collapses
- Awny mine, Red Sea State – Shafts collapsed on a Saturday, leaving at least 10 dead and 21 injured; other outlets cited “at least six” fatalities and “dozens” injured. Miners carried out the rescue with limited equipment; an unspecified number remain trapped.
- Al-Zaraa mine, West Kordofan – Artisanal shafts in the Fuga area produced death tolls ranging from 60 to 83, with many more possibly missing. Rescue teams continue to search amid a lack of heavy machinery.
Background & Context
Gold mining is a cornerstone of Sudan’s economy. The country produced 70 tonnes of gold last year, with about 80 % from artisanal operations employing more than 2 million people. Since the war erupted in April 2023, the formal economy has collapsed, displacing roughly 13 million and devaluing the currency from ?570 pounds/USD to ?3,500 pounds/USD by April 2026. The conflict eliminated most oil revenue, leaving gold as a primary source of foreign exchange.
Data & Statistics
- Gold output rose 53 % to 64 tonnes in 2024, up from 41.8 tonnes in 2022.
- Casualties: Awny – 10–6 dead, 21–dozens injured; Al-Zaraa – 60–83 dead, numerous missing.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mohamed Tahir Omar, director-general of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, expressed condolences and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
- Khalid Danaa, Minister of Information in the Peace Government, confirmed an 83-person death toll at Al-Zar’ah, pledged intensified rescue efforts, and appealed for international humanitarian aid.
- Prime Minister Kamil Idris met with the minister of minerals to discuss policies for regulating traditional mining and managing mineral markets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This disaster is yet another example of the deadly hazards facing those working in Sudan’s gold mines,” — Joseph Tucker, senior analyst, International Crisis Group
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Awny collapse: Al Jazeera cites 10 deaths and 21 injuries; other sources report “at least six” deaths and “dozens” injured. No definitive count of trapped miners has been released.
- Al-Zaraa collapse: reports vary from 60 to 83 deaths; the exact number of missing persons remains unclear.
Why It Matters
The incidents expose safety failures in Sudan’s informal gold sector, which supplies a critical share of foreign exchange. War-induced inflation and currency collapse push thousands into hazardous mining, raising the risk of further tragedies. International accusations that gold revenues fund the RSF add diplomatic pressure, while limited regulatory capacity hampers safety enforcement.
What’s Next
Sudanese authorities have pledged continued rescue operations and have appealed for international humanitarian assistance. Plans to strengthen regulation of artisanal mining are under discussion, though specific legislative timelines have not been disclosed.