Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Kills 10 Near Egypt Border
At least 10 workers died in a mine collapse in northern Sudan, adding to a deadly toll that has reached nearly 100 in recent days.
Key points
- At least 10 people died and 21 were injured in a gold mine collapse near the Egypt border.
- Recent mining accidents in Sudan have killed nearly 100 people, highlighting severe safety risks.
- Gold production rose to 64 tonnes in 2024 as economic desperation drives workers into unregulated mines.
A collapse at a gold mining site in northern Sudan has killed at least 10 people and injured 21 others, according to survivors and local reports. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Awny area, close to the border with Egypt, and has reignited debate over the safety conditions in the country’s unregulated mining sector.
The disaster follows a previous incident in West Kordofan State that left at least 82 people dead, bringing the total death toll from recent mining accidents to nearly 100. Search operations are ongoing for workers potentially trapped beneath the rubble, though the exact number of missing individuals remains unclear.
Economic desperation drives risk
Since the conflict began in April 2023, Sudan’s formal economy has weakened significantly, and the currency has lost substantial value. According to local agencies, gold production reached 64 tonnes in 2024, a sharp increase from previous years, as the metal remains a primary source of income for many citizens amid widespread inflation and displacement.
The economic pressure has pushed many into informal artisanal mining, where safety standards are virtually nonexistent. Joseph Tucker, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that these remote sites lack modern technology and infrastructure, creating deadly hazards for those working in them.
International scrutiny of gold trade
Sudan’s gold exports have become a focal point of diplomatic tension, with most shipments reportedly directed toward the United Arab Emirates. In March 2025, Sudan filed a case at the International Court of Justice, accusing the UAE of using gold to support the Rapid Support Forces, an allegation the UAE has denied.
Analysts note that much of the gold leaves the country through illicit networks rather than official channels, bypassing government revenue. This opacity complicates efforts to regulate the sector and ensure that mining revenues contribute to public services and economic stability.
Regulatory challenges persist
While Sudanese authorities have recently discussed policies to regulate traditional mining and address environmental damage, implementation remains difficult in a fragmented security environment. The government controls some key deposits near Port Sudan, while other areas remain under the influence of armed groups, complicating oversight.
As the search continues for survivors in the Awny area, the focus now shifts to how the government and international actors can improve safety standards. The immediate priority is rescue and recovery, but the long-term challenge of securing a safer and more transparent mining sector remains unresolved.
