BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — An unregulated gold mine collapsed late last week in Mali, killing more than 70 people, an official said Wednesday, and a search continued amid fears that the toll could rise.
Artisanal miners — small-scale, informal ones — are often accused of ignoring safety measures, especially in remote areas.
Political Cartoons View All 253 Images“The state must bring order to this artisanal mining sector to avoid these kinds of accidents in the future,” Berthé said.
Artisanal gold mining is estimated to produce around 30 tons of gold a year, and represents 6% of Mali’s annual gold production.
The country also has an estimated 2 million gold miners operating in around 300 artisanal mining sites, Pona said.
Persons:
Karim Berthé, Abdoulaye Pona, ” Berthé, “, Pona
Organizations:
and Mining Directorate, Associated Press, Mali Chamber of Mines, Mines, International Trade Administration, U.S . Department of Commerce, of Mines
Locations:
BAMAKO, Mali, Kangaba district, Koulikoro, Africa’s, Bamako, “