Mali gold mine collapse: More than 70 bodies recovered so far, search operation underway
India TV NewsA tragic incident unfolded last week in Mali as an unregulated gold mine collapse claimed the lives of over 70 individuals, an official confirmed on Wednesday, January 24. Mining: A key sector in Mali “Gold is by far Mali’s most important export, comprising more than 80 per cent of total exports in 2021,” according to the International Trade Administration with the US Department of Commerce. Artisanal gold mining, a key contributor to Mali's gold production, is believed to yield approximately 30 tons of gold annually, constituting 6 per cent of the country's total gold output. According to officials, the sector is supported by a considerable workforce, with an estimated 2 million gold miners engaged in operations across approximately 300 artisanal mining sites.