Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Kills At Least 82
A gold mine in Sudan collapsed and killed at least 82 people.
Dozens more were injured, and some miners may still be trapped underground.
The collapse started in one tunnel and spread to nearby tunnels.
The mine’s tunnels were close together, making the collapse worse.
Local miners searched through the rubble overnight for survivors and bodies.
They had only simple tools and one forklift to help them.
A survivor said they need heavier machines to clear the rocks and soil.
The mine is in an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, which is fighting Sudan’s military.
Informal mine collapses are common in Sudan because many sites do not have strong safety protections.
At least 82 people were killed and dozens injured in the al-Zara gold mine collapse in West Kordofan.
Many miners remain missing or trapped beneath sand and rubble, according to a local administrator.
The collapse began Sunday in one shaft and spread to nearby interconnected shafts.
Rescuers have only one privately owned forklift and are using rudimentary mining tools to search for survivors.
The disaster occurred in an informal mining area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces during Sudan’s ongoing war.
- Who
- Miners, rescuers and local officials; at least 82 people died.
- What
- A collapse at the al-Zara gold mine killed at least 82 people, injured dozens and left others missing.
- When
- The collapse began Sunday; 22 additional bodies were reportedly found Wednesday.
- Where
- The al-Zara mine near Nuhud in West Kordofan, Sudan.
- Why
- The collapse spread through interconnected shafts at an informal mine, while limited rescue equipment hampered recovery efforts.
- Death toll
- At least 82 people
- Injuries
- Dozens reported injured
- Location
- Al-Zara gold mine near Nuhud, West Kordofan, Sudan
- Rescue equipment
- One privately owned forklift, plus rudimentary mining tools
- Mine control
- The area is controlled by the Rapid Support Forces
- War context
- The Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese military have been fighting since 2023
- Previous collapses
- A 2023 collapse killed 14 miners and a 2021 collapse killed 38