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Eleven Killed in Collapse of Kirsh al-Fil Artisanal Mine

Sudan’s Mineral Resources Company has ordered tighter safety inspections after the disaster, urging stricter oversight as smuggled gold continues to bankroll both sides in the civil war.

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11 killed, 7 injured in Sudan gold mine collapse
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Overview

  • An artisanal shaft at the Kirsh al-Fil mine in northeastern Houeid collapsed over the weekend, killing 11 miners and injuring seven, the SMRC confirmed.
  • The SMRC had previously suspended work at the mine over safety concerns and pledged to expand monitoring of informal shafts across Red Sea State.
  • Since April 2023, revenues from gold extraction have financed both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in the ongoing civil war.
  • Experts warn that much of Sudan’s gold is trafficked through Chad, South Sudan or Egypt before reaching the United Arab Emirates, which denies accusations of arming the RSF.
  • Traditional artisanal miners produced nearly 80% of Sudan’s record 64 tonne output in 2024, but frequent tunnel collapses highlight persistent regulatory gaps.