Mine collapse in Southern Mali kills at least 12, women among victims: Video
Southern Mali was struck by tragedy on Thursday when a landslide at a gold mine claimed the lives of at least 12 women and left several others missing.
Yaya Diallo, the third vice president of Danga's youth, confirmed the fatalities, stating that five women were from Danga and seven from Kokoyo.
"The site is owned by a Chinese company, but women negotiated for free access to the mine for two hours daily, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.," Diallo explained.
He noted that the absence of men, who are more experienced in recognising the warning signs of unstable mines, may have contributed to the disaster. "There were only women, and that is why the tragedy happened. Men know how to recognise the signals from the mine; it's their job," Diallo added.
Muddy waters reportedly engulfed a mechanical excavator at the site, but search operations are still ongoing.
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has long grappled with the dangers of artisanal mining. Fatal accidents, including deadly landslides, frequently plague the informal sector.
In January 2024, over 70 people died following a tunnel collapse at another gold mining site in the same region.
