**Title: Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Claims 82 Lives in West Kordofan**
At least 82 individuals have lost their lives following the collapse of an informal gold mine in Sudan's West Kordofan state, with many others still unaccounted for, as reported by various news agencies citing local officials. The incident occurred at the al-Zara mine, located near the town of Nuhud, an area currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The disaster began on Sunday when a collapse in one of the mine's shafts triggered a chain reaction, affecting interconnected tunnels. As of Wednesday afternoon, rescue teams have recovered 82 bodies, according to Suleiman Abu Hmeida, a member of Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms. However, he noted that "dozens remain unaccounted for," indicating that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
The Emergency Response Rooms is a grassroots organization that provides community assistance and monitors developments amid Sudan's ongoing conflict. A local administration official corroborated the reported death toll, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since April 2023, when violent clashes erupted between the national army (Sudanese Armed Forces, SAF) and the RSF. This conflict stemmed from escalating tensions between their commanders, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as 'Hemedti,' over a proposed transition to civilian governance. What initially began as a power struggle in the capital, Khartoum, has since spiraled into widespread devastation, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and millions displaced.
Efforts to mediate peace, including initiatives led by the African Union and talks facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States in Jeddah, have repeatedly faltered. Sudanese officials have alleged that mercenaries from Colombia and Ukraine are supporting the RSF against the army, further complicating the conflict. Additionally, accusations have been directed at Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates regarding their involvement, while Sudan has expressed concerns about the European Union's understanding of the situation.
In a further escalation of tensions, Sudan has accused Kenyan authorities of supporting the RSF and has severed ties with the East African grouping IGAD, reflecting a growing mistrust of regional mediation efforts. In July, a political coalition aligned with the RSF, known as TASIS, announced the establishment of a rival government, designating General Dagalo as the head of a newly formed 15-member presidential council. This move has been met with rejection from both the United Nations and the African Union.
The Sudan Doctors Network, which initially reported 67 recovered bodies, has warned that the death toll may increase as search efforts persist. The medical organization highlighted that the informal mine employed unregulated workers and lacked essential safety measures and protective equipment. They stated, “Mining activities in areas under RSF control, in the absence of safety standards and adequate protection and rescue equipment, turn mining into a direct threat to the lives of civilians.”
According to the Kordofan Observatory, the mining area spans over a kilometer across fragile sandy terrain, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the site.
Gold mining is a significant industry in Sudan, with official figures indicating that gold exports generated over $1.5 billion in the first ten months of 2024. The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC) reported that the country produced 70 tons of gold in 2025, underscoring the economic importance of this sector despite the ongoing conflict.
Tragically, deadly mine collapses are not uncommon in Africa. In August, more than 100 individuals were reported killed when an artisanal gold mine collapsed in Zamboye, Central African Republic, near the Cameroon border, highlighting the dangers associated with informal mining operations across the continent.
As rescue operations continue at the al-Zara mine, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and addressing the safety concerns that have led to such tragic incidents in the past. The ongoing conflict in Sudan complicates these efforts, as the country grapples with both humanitarian and economic challenges.