Sudan is ​one of Africa’s largest gold producers, ​but the vast majority of its gold is produced through dangerous artisan ​mining techniques and later smuggled ​out of the country.

The local sources said ‌the ⁠high death toll at the remote site was due to the lack of safety procedures ​or ​rescue equipment ⁠at the makeshift wells.

West Kordofan is under ​the control of the ​paramilitary ⁠Rapid Support Forces, for whom gold mining is a key ⁠source ​of revenue.

–Reuters–