Southwest Mali is reeling from a tragic incident that claimed the lives of over 70 individuals last week when an artisanal gold mine collapsed. This latest disaster in a region known for mining accidents has left officials and locals in shock.
According to Karim Bethe, a senior official from the National Geology and Mining Directorate, the collapse was deemed an accident. Oumar Sidibe, an official for gold miners in Kangaba, and a local councillor, also confirmed the devastating death toll.
Describing the harrowing event, Sidibe recounted how the earth shook and over 200 gold miners were in the field when the collapse occurred.
While the exact cause of the mine collapse remains unclear, the Ministry of Mines released a statement expressing its estimation of “several” miners killed in the Kangaba district of the southwestern Koulikoro region. The ministry also emphasized the importance of safety compliance for miners and communities in the area.
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