The Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) has expressed deep sorrow over the collapse of an informal gold mine in West Kordofan, Sudan, and called for the immediate deployment of heavy equipment for search-and-rescue operations.
The collapse occurred at the Al-Zaraa gold mine near Al-Nuhud, with initial reports indicating that dozens of artisanal miners were killed and several others remained trapped.
In a statement issued Thursday, AMSG Chairman Dele Alake condoled with the victims’ families, affected communities and the people and authorities of Sudan.
Alake described the incident as a human catastrophe highlighting the dangers faced by artisanal and informal miners, particularly in conflict-affected and economically vulnerable areas.
The AMSG said the collapse was reportedly caused by the failure of interconnected shafts in loose terrain, while inadequate engineering standards, safety equipment and regulatory oversight contributed to unsafe conditions.
It also raised concern over limited access to heavy excavation machinery, noting that rescuers and survivors had reportedly been forced to rely on rudimentary hand tools.
The group urged the immediate mobilisation of heavy lifting and excavation equipment to accelerate rescue efforts and facilitate medical assistance for anyone still trapped underground.
Beyond the rescue operation, the AMSG called on African governments and regional institutions to accelerate the formalisation of artisanal mining and strengthen cooperation on miner training, safety standards and regulatory oversight.
“Human life must always supersede resource extraction,” the group said, reaffirming its commitment to safer and more dignified mining practices across Africa.
Alake said the AMSG stood in solidarity with the families mourning the deaths in Kordofan and would continue advocating reforms to improve safety and working conditions in Africa’s mining sector.
