Khartoum: At least 11 miners lost their lives after a gold mine collapsed in Sudan, as announced by a state-owned mining company. The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC) reported that the incident took place in an "artisanal shaft in the Kirsh al-Fil mine" located in the government-controlled area of Houeid over the weekend.

According to Deutsche Welle, the SMRC had previously warned against working in this particular shaft due to the "risk to life." The collapse highlights the dangers associated with artisanal mining, which has become a significant source of funding for the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

Sudan is currently embroiled in a civil war between the military and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Gold mining has played a crucial role in financing the conflict since hostilities began in 2023. Industry sources and experts indicate that much of Sudan's gold is smuggled to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, or Egypt before making its way to the United Arab Emirates, the world's second-largest gold exporter. The UAE has faced accusations of supplying arms to the RSF.

The war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and has displaced 13 million people, underscoring the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict in the region.