AMSG's Dr. Dele Alake Calls for Rescue Aid in Sudan Mine Collapse

Dr. Dele Alake, Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has urged for the immediate mobilization of rescue equipment to the site of a gold mine collapse in West Kordofan, Sudan. The collapse at the informal Al-Zaraa gold mine near Al-Nuhud has reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, with many miners still missing and feared trapped.

Alake expressed concern over the reliance on rudimentary hand tools by survivors and local responders due to the absence of heavy excavation machinery. He called on authorities and regional stakeholders to pool resources for the deployment of heavy lifting and excavation equipment to expedite search-and-rescue operations and provide medical assistance.

Alake emphasized the hazardous conditions faced by millions of artisanal miners across Africa, particularly in remote areas, and urged for the formalization of mining operations through enhanced training, safety standards, and regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable miners.