Reported incidents of mining accidents continue to plague Mali, as an unregulated gold mine collapse has resulted in the tragic death of more than 70 individuals. The incident occurred late last week in the Kangaba district, situated in the southwestern Koulikoro region. Senior government official, Karim Berthé of the National Geology and Mining Directorate, confirmed the details to The Associated Press on Wednesday, labeling it as an accident.

The cause of the collapse that transpired on Friday remains uncertain, as authorities scramble to uncover more information. The Ministry of Mines released a statement on Tuesday, estimating "several" deaths, but fears persist that the death toll could increase as the search operation persists.

While accidents of this nature are not uncommon in Mali, which stands as Africa's third-largest gold producer, the region affected by this recent tragedy lies farther south near the capital city of Bamako. The incident has shed light on the safety measures implemented by artisanal miners, who are often accused of neglecting precautions, particularly in remote areas.

In response to the calamity, Karim Berthé emphasized the importance of bringing order to the artisanal mining sector to prevent future accidents. The Ministry of Mines echoed this sentiment in their statement, expressing deep regret over the collapse and urging both miners and nearby communities to adhere to safety requirements.

Gold mining plays a vital role in Mali's economy, accounting for over 80% of the country's total exports in 2021, according to the International Trade Administration with the U.S. Department of Commerce. With more than two million people, or over 10% of Mali's population, relying on the mining sector for income, it becomes all the more crucial to address and rectify the safety concerns within the industry.

Remarkably, the Ministry of Mines estimates that Mali possesses an extensive 800-ton gold deposit, signifying the significance of the precious metal for the nation's economic prosperity.

As the search operation continues amidst Mali's latest mining tragedy, the focus now turns to implementing stricter safety measures and regulations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.