The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has reacted to the collapse of the Al-Zaraa gold mine in West Kordofan, Sudan, which reportedly claimed the lives of several artisanal miners.
Alake also said some miners remained missing following the incident, as rescue efforts continued.
He made this known in a statement shared on his official social media page while commiserating with the families of those who lost loved ones.
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families who have lost loved ones and with the people of Sudan at this difficult time,” Alake said.
The minister also called for urgent support for the rescue operation and stronger safety measures for artisanal miners across Africa.
“As Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, I call for urgent support for the rescue efforts and stronger measures to improve safety, training and oversight in artisanal mining across our continent,” he said.
Alake said the incident showed the risks faced by artisanal miners and stressed the need for better safety and oversight in the sector.
“No amount of gold is worth a human life,” he said.
“No amount of gold is worth a human life” — Dele Alake reacts to Sudan Mine collapse