An artisanal gold mine at the Kersh al-Feel site in Sudan collapsed, killing at least 11 workers and injuring 7 others, according to a statement by the Sudanese Mineral Resources Limited Company.
The disaster has drawn international attention, stressing the urgent need for robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks especially focused on safety standards in vulnerable mining communities.
Sudan’s mining sector remains largely informal and under-regulated. Despite the country’s richness in gold, copper, lead, and zinc, many sites operate without basic protections. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) frequently lack structural safety: unsupported tunnels, unsafe shafts, and little to no training or personal protective equipment (PPE) expose miners to frequent collapses and fatal accidents. Read more here
Environmental Impact
While the immediate focus rests on human casualties as it should be , long-term environmental damage often goes unaddressed. These mining sites frequently located near rivers release untreated runoff that contaminates freshwater ecosystems. Communities depending on these rivers face increased health risks from polluted water. The situation worsens when miners use mercury in gold processing without regulation or monitoring, heightening the need for continuous environmental oversight.
Social Impact and Community Trust
In many Sudanese communities, artisanal mining provides a vital livelihood, offering income for school fees, healthcare, and daily survival. However, the recent collapse deepened community mistrust. Without mutual accountability between miners, state agencies, and operators, safety reforms rarely succeed. Gaining a social license to operate requires building trust through transparency and consistent community engagement.
Governance and Accountability
Investors now expect credible ESG reporting and transparent mine audits. Many projects undergo ESG assessments before receiving funding. International bodies such as the International Finance Corporation and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance are stepping in to fill regulatory gaps. However, Sudan’s enforcement of such standards remains in early stages.
From Words to Safety Practices
Across Africa, mining companies are investing in safety innovations like remote monitoring, gas detection sensors, and emergency shelters. These tools significantly reduce risks. However, it is in my opinion that safety must become non-negotiable regardless of mine size and scale. Artisanal miners urgently need structured risk assessments, technical training, and reliable infrastructure. Empowering communities through safety awareness can save lives and protect livelihoods.
Toward Sustainable Reform
Additionally, I believe that for future tragedies to be prevented and value addition across the mining value chain to be actualized, Sudan’s state mining sector must:
- Formalize ASM: Introduce licensing, safety training, regular mine inspections, and environmental permits.
- Enforce social obligations: Conduct community consultations, improve risk transparency, and establish accessible grievance mechanisms.
- Adopt governance frameworks: Mandate ESG reporting and require third-party verification.
- Deploy safety innovations: Ensure regular inspections, install basic pit support systems, waterproof mine shafts, and conduct emergency drills.
Sudan is not alone in facing these challenges but global investors and consumers demanding ethically sourced minerals offer leverage. By prioritizing safety and ESG in Artisanal Mining, tragedies like this could be turned into catalysts for change.
