Tragedy In Mali: WiM-Africa Calls For Urgent Mining Reforms After Deadly Mine Collapse

Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has extended its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic artisanal mine collapse near Kéniéba in Mali’s Kayes region on February 15, 2025. The disaster claimed at least 48 lives, mostly women, who relied on mining for their livelihood.

Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, Executive Director of WiM-Africa, described the incident as a devastating reminder of the grave risks faced by artisanal miners, particularly women, in the absence of alternative livelihoods and proper oversight of mining activities.

“Women in artisanal mining are among the most vulnerable. They work under unsafe conditions, with little to no economic alternatives, while facing constant exploitation by informal gold buyers and middlemen,” she stated.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in artisanal mining across Africa. Women, who form a significant portion of the workforce are disproportionately affected by unsafe mining conditions and economic exploitation.

Beyond safety concerns, WiM-Africa is also calling for greater accountability in the artisanal mining value chain. Many women are forced to sell their gold through informal and exploitative networks, receiving unfair prices while working under hazardous conditions. The lack of oversight perpetuates economic disempowerment and unsafe mining practices.

To prevent future tragedies, WiM-Africa has outlined urgent measures that must be taken by governments and stakeholders: Governments must register and monitor all artisanal mining sites, enforcing safety standards.

A traceable gold supply chain should be established to regulate gold buyers and prevent exploitation.

Artisanal miners must receive comprehensive safety training and access to protective gear.

Governments should introduce mandatory safety regulations with regular inspections to ensure compliance.

Economic empowerment programs should provide microfinance, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Women-led mining cooperatives should be supported with funding and equipment to improve working conditions.

Governments must register and regulate gold buyers to ensure fair pricing and ethical sourcing.

Mechanisms should be established to prevent exploitative buying practices and protect artisanal miners.

Mining-related disasters are not unique to Mali; they occur across Africa, from Burkina Faso to Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond. In response, WiM-Africa is formally adopting February 15 as an annual day of remembrance, ‘Silent 15 of Bilalikoto Honoring the Fallen.’

“This day is not just a memorial it is a movement to push for stronger safety regulations, ethical mining practices, and sustainable livelihoods for African women in mining,” Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji emphasized.

The Malian government and other African nations must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and protect the dignity of the women who form the backbone of artisanal mining. Without decisive policy action, these cycles of tragedy will persist.

WiM-Africa is calling on the African Union, international mining organizations, financial institutions, and civil society groups to join the fight for safer, fairer, and more sustainable artisanal mining across the continent.