Tragic Mining Accident in Sudan Claims Lives of Artisanal Miners

Fatal Incident in Red Sea State

Khartoum, September 21: A tragic incident in eastern Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 artisanal miners, with 21 others sustaining injuries following the collapse of five mining shafts in the Oni region of Red Sea State, as reported by a volunteer organization and eyewitness accounts.

The Dar Hamar Emergency Room, a volunteer group, confirmed on Sunday that rescue operations had successfully retrieved 10 bodies and 21 injured miners, with efforts ongoing to locate those still trapped beneath the debris.

In a separate announcement, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company acknowledged the mine collapse in Oni but did not disclose an official count of casualties.

An anonymous miner present at the scene informed a news agency that the incident occurred on Saturday while workers were underground, as adjacent shafts collapsed in succession, burying miners under rubble.

Efforts to rescue trapped individuals began immediately, utilizing available equipment, while bulldozers were deployed to clear the site. However, challenging access to certain areas hindered the ability to ascertain the total number of missing miners. Some injured individuals were transported to Port Sudan, located approximately 300 kilometers from the site.

This accident follows a recent collapse at the Al-Zaraa mine near Al-Nuhud in West Kordofan State, which resulted in numerous fatalities.

Artisanal mining serves as a vital income source for many in Sudan, accounting for around 80 percent of the nation's gold production. The sector operates over 800 sites throughout northern and western Sudan, employing more than 1.5 million miners.

Gold remains a significant contributor to Sudan's foreign currency earnings, with official statistics indicating a production of 70 tons in 2025. Unfortunately, mining accidents are common due to insufficient safety protocols and deteriorating infrastructure, which pose serious risks to miners.