A gold mine collapsed in eastern Mali, killing 42 people and injuring many more. This is the second major accident in Mali this year, following a similar incident in January that left several gold miners dead. The mine that collapsed was operated by Chinese nationals, and authorities are investigating whether it was operating legally. This is not the first time such accidents have occurred in Mali, with previous incidents resulting in dozens of deaths. There are concerns that profits from unregulated mining in the country could benefit extremists active in northern Mali. Gold is a vital export for Mali, accounting for over 80% of total exports in 2021, and more than 2 million people rely on the mining sector for income. Artisanal gold mining produces around 30 tons of gold annually and represents 6% of Mali’s total gold production. The mining industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy but is also fraught with risks and challenges, as the recent collapse highlights.
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