Niger gold mine collapse
[1] The day of the mine disaster left 18 people dead on the spot, 7 injured and hospitalised, and dozens of miners buried underground waiting to be rescued.
Increasing demand for metals and rising prices have triggered a boom in small-scale mining in poor countries around the world in recent years.
"[4] According to Adamou Guero, the mayor of Dan Issa, "artisanal miners often use old-fashioned and unregulated digging methods, leading to frequent deadly accidents".
The immediate local response to the gold mine collapse outside the Garin-Liman village had been characterised by the efforts of rescue workers and local volunteers who, equipped only with bare hands and basic tools, were tirelessly digging into the earth to save the lives of numerous young men trapped underground.
[17] The governor of the Maradi region, Abubakar Shuaib, expressed condolences to the families of the victims during an interview with Amfani Radio and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident.
[4] Mayor Adamou Guero of the commune of Dan Issa highlighted the difficulty in controlling such incidents in gold mines, citing the commonality of these challenges.
[18][19][4][20][21] Governor Aboubacar Chaibou, who visited the area, emphasised the need to reorganise the operation to ensure both legal and dignified working conditions, promising a comprehensive review with a focus on maximum security.
[24][25] This underscores the need for continuous evaluation and adjustment of regulatory frameworks to align with the dynamic nature of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
There has been a notable surge in attention towards the ASM sector, with heightened interest from governments overseeing production, companies procuring components globally, and international NGOs advocating for the responsible sourcing of minerals.
[30][31][32] SOPAMIN’s role in enhancing compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations signifies the government's dedication to ensuring the sustainability of the mining sector.
[30][31] Addressing these internal challenges is crucial for SOPAMIN to effectively enforce and enhance the implementation of regulatory measures, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the mining sector.
The goal of the ALG is to transform the territories of its member states - Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso - into an economically integrated and flourishing domain.
[33] The achievement of this vision is contingent on fostering stability, upholding good governance, and respecting human rights.
