Introduction
Mining has long been a pillar of economic activity in Africa, providing livelihoods for millions, particularly those engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). However, this sector remains plagued by hazardous working conditions, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of formal oversight, often leading to devastating mine collapses and loss of life. One such tragedy, the collapse at Bilalikoto, Mali, on February 15, 2025, claimed the lives of over 48 artisanal women miners. This incident, among many others across the continent, underscores the urgent need for reforms that prioritize safety, accountability, and sustainable mining practices. To honor these fallen women and all others lost in similar tragedies, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has designated February 15 as Silent 15 of Bilalikoto – Honoring the Fallen, an annual day of remembrance and advocacy for improved mining safety.
The Urgent Need for Reform
The frequency of mine collapses in Africa is a stark indicator of systemic failures in the regulation and management of artisanal and small-scale mining. Many of these operations function outside formal structures, lacking even the most basic safety protocols. Women miners, who play a crucial role in ASM, are disproportionately affected due to their limited access to financial resources, technical training, and protective equipment. These issues are further compounded by weak enforcement of mining regulations and a lack of clear policy frameworks that integrate the informal mining sector into national economies. If urgent steps are not taken, the cycle of preventable deaths will continue, with devastating consequences for mining communities and the broader economy.
Strengthening Regional and National Frameworks for Mining Safety
To prevent further tragedies like Bilalikoto, regional and national governments must take the lead in developing and enforcing comprehensive safety standards for ASM operations. Governments must harmonize mining policies across borders to ensure that safety regulations are not only established but actively implemented. This requires regional cooperation to create standardized guidelines and regulatory frameworks that account for the unique challenges of artisanal mining. National authorities should invest in infrastructure, monitoring mechanisms, and trained personnel to oversee compliance with safety protocols while ensuring that mining activities contribute meaningfully to national development.
Formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
One of the most effective ways to improve safety in the mining sector is to transition artisanal miners from informal, unregulated operations to formally recognized enterprises. Formalization should include structured licensing processes, access to finance for safety improvements, and incentives for compliance with environmental and labor laws. By supporting cooperatives and small mining enterprises, governments can encourage miners to adopt safer and more sustainable practices. Formalization also ensures that mining revenues contribute to social services, community development, and reinvestment in mining safety education and infrastructure.
Empowering Women in Mining
Women miners, who were at the heart of the Bilalikoto tragedy, face additional barriers to safe and equitable working conditions. Addressing gender disparities in the mining sector requires targeted interventions that enhance women’s access to training, protective equipment, and financial resources. Governments and mining associations should develop gender-sensitive policies that recognize and support women’s contributions to the mining industry. Providing training programs focused on occupational health, financial literacy, and business management will empower women to participate in mining under safer and more sustainable conditions.
Private Sector Responsibility and Ethical Mining Practices
The private sector plays a critical role in ensuring that mining operations adhere to safety and sustainability standards. Large-scale mining companies that source minerals from ASM operations must commit to ethical sourcing by enforcing responsible supply chain policies. This includes providing technical assistance, funding safety initiatives, and promoting fair trade practices that uplift artisanal miners. Companies should integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that directly benefit mining communities by investing in safety training, infrastructure, and emergency response systems. Greater transparency in mineral sourcing will also help to eliminate exploitative practices and improve working conditions across the sector.
Community-Led Safety and Awareness Programs
Local governments and community organizations must be actively engaged in promoting mining safety. Education and awareness campaigns that teach miners about best safety practices, early warning systems, and emergency response measures can significantly reduce mining-related fatalities. Establishing community-led monitoring groups will ensure that mining activities are continuously assessed for risks, and immediate action can be taken when dangerous conditions arise. These grassroots efforts, combined with national and regional interventions, will create a culture of safety and accountability within mining communities.
A Call to Action
Silent 15 of Bilalikoto is more than a day of mourning—it is a movement demanding urgent, decisive action to protect miners’ lives. Governments, private companies, and civil society must work together to transform Africa’s mining sector into one that values safety, dignity, and economic justice. The tragedy of Bilalikoto should serve as a turning point, galvanizing stakeholders to implement sustainable reforms that prevent future disasters. The time for complacency has passed; now is the time to act.
WiM-Africa urges all stakeholders to honor the fallen by committing to real and lasting change in the mining sector.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At WiM-Africa, we are committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by women in mining host communities across Africa. Our work is deeply aligned with the African Mining Vision, and we believe that through education, empowerment, and advocacy, we can create a brighter future for women in the mining sector and their communities.
If you are passionate about driving positive change and want to be part of this transformative journey, we invite you to join us as a trainer or volunteer. We constantly need experienced men and women to join hands with us to build the capacity of our 500+ volunteers across African countries as agents of change.
We look forward to welcoming you to our growing network of volunteers and partners. Your involvement will help us continue to empower women, protect children, and foster sustainable development across the continent.
Much work is ahead, and we call on stakeholders to join us in this vital effort.
