Alake Mourns Victims of Sudan Gold Mine Collapse

The Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dele Alake, has expressed condolences to the families of artisanal miners killed in a mine collapse at the Al-Zaraa gold mine in West Kordofan, Sudan.

Alake, who doubles as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development also called for urgent support for ongoing rescue efforts as some miners reportedly remain trapped following the incident.

The minister expressed his concern in a statement via his social media on Friday, September 18, 2026.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic mine collapse at the Al-Zaraa gold mine in West Kordofan, Sudan, which has reportedly claimed the lives of several artisanal miners, with others still missing,” Alake said.

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He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Sudan, while expressing solidarity with families awaiting information about those still trapped.

“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families who have lost loved ones and with the people of Sudan at this difficult time,” he said.

“I also stand with the families waiting anxiously for news of those still trapped and with those working to rescue them.”

Alake, who is Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, described the incident as a reminder of the risks faced by artisanal miners across the continent.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by artisanal miners across Africa,” he said.

He called for stronger measures to improve safety standards, training and oversight in artisanal mining.

“As Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, I call for urgent support for the rescue efforts and stronger measures to improve safety, training and oversight in artisanal mining across our continent,” Alake said.

The minister stressed the need for sustained efforts to make artisanal mining safer, noting that human life should take precedence over mineral resources.

“No amount of gold is worth a human life,” he said.