At least 13 artisanal miners killed in airstrike near Sudan-Egypt border

Artisanal miners across Africa continue to lose their lives while working in hazardous conditions, yet the risks they face often receive limited attention. A reported airstrike near the Sudan-Egypt border has claimed at least 13 lives and left more than 28 people injured.

According to the Sudan Doctors Network, the incident occurred on Saturday in the border triangle area between Sudan and Egypt, where artisanal mining activities are reportedly concentrated.

Preliminary accounts indicate that the bombardment targeted sites frequented by artisanal mining workers, as well as collection points for raw materials extracted from mining wells. These locations typically attract large numbers of workers, potentially contributing to the high number of casualties.

“The Sudan Doctors Network expresses its deep concern over preliminary reports received from the border triangle area between Sudan and Egypt, indicating that a number of artisanal mining workers were killed and injured in an aerial bombardment targeting the area,” the organisation said.

The incident exposes the safety challenges faced by artisanal miners, particularly those operating in remote areas affected by conflict and insecurity. Despite the immediate dangers associated with mining, workers in these environments may also face threats linked to violence, limited emergency services and inadequate occupational safety measures.

Artisanal and small-scale mining remains an important source of livelihoods across Africa, particularly in gold-producing regions. However, the sector continues to face persistent challenges relating to worker protection, hazardous operating conditions and limited access to formal support structures.

The circumstances surrounding the airstrike, including responsibility for the attack, have not been established in the information available.