By:Jpost

At least 11 miners died and seven others were injured when a gold mine collapsed in north eastern Sudan, the state-run Mineral Resources Company confirmed on Sunday.

The incident took place at the Kersh al-Feel site in the Houeid region, located between the cities of Atbara and Haya in Red Sea State. The exact timing of the collapse was not disclosed.

Authorities said the mine had previously been closed due to safety violations. In its statement, the Mineral Resources Company reaffirmed its commitment to monitor mining operations more closely and called on miners to follow safety and environmental regulations.

Sudan’s gold sector, which is largely informal, has long struggled with dangerous working conditions. Despite these challenges, it remains vital to the country’s economy.

Traditional mining accounts for a major portion of Sudan’s gold output, contributing nearly 80% of total production, according to government figures.

Roughly 1.5 million artisanal miners operate across Sudan, many using outdated equipment and working in hazardous conditions. The country produced approximately 64 tonnes of gold in 2024, making it one of Africa’s top gold producers.

Sudan's economic instability

Sudan has been plagued by economic instability and political turmoil since the 2021 military coup and subsequent civil conflict, both of which have undermined government oversight and regulatory enforcement in various sectors, including mining.