Sudan gold mine collapse kills at least 11, state company says

June 29, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – At least 11 miners were killed and seven injured when a makeshift gold mine collapsed in Sudan’s River Nile State, the state-owned Sudanese Mineral Resources Company said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Thursday at the “Karsh Al-Fil” mine in the desert between the cities of Atbara and Hayya, according to a company statement. The company’s figures were based on a field investigation carried out in coordination with local authorities.

Initial media reports had suggested as many as 50 people were killed in the collapse, with others still trapped.

The company held an emergency meeting to discuss the collapse and said authorities had previously shut down the mine due to safety concerns and the high risk of collapse.

“The company is committed to monitoring traditional mining and enhancing occupational safety standards,” the statement said, urging miners to follow safety regulations.

A surge in informal, unregulated gold mining has been seen across Sudan, particularly since the outbreak of a broader conflict in April 2023. The sector now involves more than two million people and accounts for about 80% of the country’s gold production.

Deadly collapses are frequent in the artisanal mines, where safety standards are largely absent despite local governments levying fees on the miners.