Artisanal mining, prevalent across West Africa, has increased due to rising metal demand and prices. Credit: Poliorketes/Shutterstock.

An accident in Mali’s Kayes region has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 43 people, primarily women, following the collapse of an artisanal gold mine.

The incident occurred near Kenieba, as confirmed by Taoule Camara, secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries (UCROM).

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The victims were searching for gold scraps in open-pit areas when the ground gave way, according to a report by Reuters, citing sources.

A Mines Ministry spokesperson confirmed the location of the accident between Kenieba and Dabia but withheld further details pending a report from ministry teams on the scene.

Artisanal mining, prevalent across West Africa, has increased due to rising metal demand and prices. However, it often involves unregulated and dangerous practices, leading to frequent deadly incidents.

Last month, 13 artisanal miners including women and three children lost their lives when a tunnel flooded in south-west Mali, the report said.

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Mali’s mining sector has been evolving, with new legislation introduced on 8 August 2023 granting the government a 10% stake in mining projects and an option for an additional 20% within two years of commercial production.

The revised mining code also increases royalty taxes to 10.5% from around 6% and mandates that companies sell a 35% share of new projects to Malian investors, up from the previous 20%.

Gold mining company executives have acknowledged that these changes will necessitate adjustments to attract investment in new projects.

In contrast, UK-based Kodal Minerals recently produced its first Li₂O spodumene concentrate at the Bougouni Lithium Project in southern Mali.

This milestone was achieved during the commissioning phase of the stage one dense media separation processing plant.