**At Least 60 Dead After Gold Mine Collapse in Sudan**
*Published on September 16, 2026*
A tragic incident at the Al-Zaraa gold mine near El-Nahud in Sudan's West Kordofan region has resulted in the deaths of at least 60 small-scale miners, with many more reported missing. The mine began to collapse on Tuesday after two shafts were dug in close proximity to each other, leading to a catastrophic failure.
Survivors of the collapse have expressed uncertainty about the number of individuals still trapped beneath the rubble. Khair al-Sayyed Jabara, a miner who survived the incident, described the ongoing rescue efforts, stating that fellow miners are using rudimentary tools to dig through the debris. "Everyone's working very hard to retrieve the bodies or any survivors, but it's difficult. We need heavy machinery to clear the rock and soil," he told AFP.
The lack of heavy machinery at small-scale mining sites has hampered rescue operations, making it challenging to access those potentially trapped beneath the collapsed tunnels. The mining community is working tirelessly, but the situation remains dire as they face significant obstacles in their efforts.
The Al-Zaraa mine collapse comes amid a backdrop of increasing importance for Sudan's gold industry, which has gained prominence since the onset of civil war in April 2023. The conflict, which pits the Sudanese Armed Forces against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has devastated the country's economy and led to a significant displacement crisis. Nearly 20 million people in Sudan are currently experiencing crisis-level hunger as a result of the ongoing violence and instability.
This incident highlights the precarious nature of small-scale mining operations in Sudan, where safety regulations are often minimal and the risks are high. As the country grapples with the consequences of war, the tragedy at the Al-Zaraa mine serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working in the informal mining sector.
Rescue efforts continue as the community rallies to support the search for survivors and recover the deceased. The situation remains fluid, and updates on the number of missing miners are expected as rescue operations progress.