Sudan Conflict Exposes Dangers of Artisanal Gold Mining

The war in Sudan has forced many people to seek a living through artisanal gold mining. The sector lacks basic protections and exposes workers to extreme safety risks and violence.

Sixteen-year-old Altayeb Alhadi died following an airstrike at a mining site in the Red Sea region. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 72 miners on October 10.

Workers use rudimentary tools to extract the metal from rocks in mines scattered across the country. The daily routine involves long hours and pay depends entirely on the amount of gold recovered from each pit.

The unstable situation in Sudan disrupts supply chains and increases uncertainty regarding commodity availability in conflict zones. Volatility in precious metal production in unstable areas may pressure global prices.