# Deadly accidents and airstrikes hit Sudan gold mines > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sudan-gold-mine-collapse-in-west-kordofan > Updated: 2026-10-18T20:18:16.000Z. Sources: 139. Developments: 5. A series of deadly incidents at artisanal gold mines has underscored the extreme risks facing workers in Sudan’s informal mining sector. Following a major collapse at the al-Zara mine in West Kordofan that killed at least 83 people, a second shaft collapse occurred in the Oni area of the Red Sea state, killing at least 11 miners and injuring approximately 30 others. On October 10, violence shifted from structural accidents to military action when fighter aircraft conducted at least five airstrikes on the Al-Uqaydat gold mine in the disputed Halaib Triangle on the Sudan-Egypt border. The strikes targeted mining camps near the Al-Ansari market, wounding at least 20 miners and causing hundreds of others to flee into surrounding mountains without food, water, or medical supplies. Casualty reports vary significantly. The Sudan Doctors Network reported at least 13 miners killed and 28 injured. However, the rights group Emergency Lawyers reported that at least 72 civilian miners were killed, accusing the Egyptian air force of carrying out the bombardment and describing it as a “violation of Sudanese sovereignty.” An investigation by The New York Times identified video evidence of an unexploded Egyptian-made NASR 400 bomb at the site, suggesting Egyptian military involvement. In response, Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has ordered a fact-finding investigation. Egyptian military spokesperson Colonel Ahmed Etman confirmed that Egyptian forces are conducting a campaign to target unauthorized gold exploration in the Eastern Desert to protect national resources, though he did not address the specific allegations of airstrikes against miners. The gold sector remains a critical economic driver for over two million people amid the ongoing civil war. ## Claims - At least 72 civilian miners were killed in an airstrike on a gold mine on the Sudan-Egypt border. (disputed by 33 sources) - At least 13 miners were killed and 28 others injured in a shelling in the border triangle area. (disputed by 12 sources) - A gold mine shaft collapse in northeastern Sudan killed at least 11 people and injured 30. (disputed by 9 sources) - The Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) claims more than 200 Sudanese gold miners were killed in the strikes. (disputed by 7 sources) - Survivors reported a death toll of 10 and 21 injuries at the Awny mining area. (disputed by 5 sources) - The Egyptian air force is accused of carrying out the airstrikes. (corroborated by 33 sources) - This was the second airstrike on the Jabal al-Uqaydat mining site this year, following an attack in June that killed 23 workers. (corroborated by 26 sources) - A jet aircraft conducted at least five separate strikes on the mining site. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Miners had reportedly received warnings from Egyptian authorities to evacuate the area prior to the strike. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in at least 59,000 deaths. (corroborated by 6 sources) - More than 50 percent of gold mined in Sudan is smuggled out of the country. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Sudan gold miners killed in airstrike near Egypt border An airstrike near the Sudan-Egypt border has reportedly killed at least 72 gold miners in Jabal al-Uqaydat, escalating regional tensions over disputed territory and illegal mining. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sudan-gold-miners-killed-in-airstrike-near-egypt-border ### 2026-10-13: Sudan-Egypt border airstrikes kill at least 72 gold miners At least 72 gold miners were killed in airstrikes near the Sudan-Egypt border. Evidence suggests Egyptian-made munitions were used, prompting a Sudanese investigation into the incident. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sudan-egypt-border-airstrikes-kill-at-least-72-gold-miners ### 2026-10-11: Sudan gold mine airstrikes kill at least 72 workers At least 72 civilian gold miners were killed in an airstrike near the Sudan-Egypt border, according to rights monitors who accused the Egyptian military of targeting the Jabal al-Uqaydat mining site. 55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airstrikes-hit-gold-mines-near-sudan-egypt-border ### 2026-09-19: Sudan gold mine collapse kills at least 11 in Red Sea State At least 11 miners were killed and 30 injured in a gold mine collapse in Sudan's Red Sea State, the second such fatal incident in the country within one week. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sudan-gold-mine-collapse-kills-at-least-83-people ### 2026-09-16: Sudan gold mine collapse kills dozens in West Kordofan At least 60 to 82 people have died following a gold mine collapse at the al-Zara site in Sudan’s West Kordofan, where rescue efforts are hampered by a lack of specialized equipment. 77 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sudan-gold-mine-collapse-kills-at-least-60-people --- Cite as: Deadly accidents and airstrikes hit Sudan gold mines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sudan-gold-mine-collapse-in-west-kordofan