Rockfall at Egypt’s largest gold mine kills worker, injures five

A rockslide at Egypt's largest gold mine resulted in the death of one worker and five others injured, according to officials. The incident occurred inside a tunnel at an underground section of the Sukari gold mine in Egypt's eastern desert region, as stated by the petroleum ministry. The injured miners were transported to a hospital in the Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam, with reports indicating their conditions were stable after initial medical evaluations.

The petroleum minister, Karim Badawy, has ordered the establishment of a committee to investigate the accident, ascertain its causes, review safety protocols at the site, and propose measures to avert future incidents. The Sukari mine, situated approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Marsa Alam, is jointly owned by the Egyptian government and AngloGold Ashanti, who took over management from the previous operator, Centamin, in 2024.

The mine yields roughly 500,000 ounces of gold annually and significantly contributes to Egypt's economy, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. This mine represents a key initiative in the government's plan to broaden the mining industry and draw in foreign investment. Mining mishaps are uncommon in Egypt, as the majority of substantial, contemporary mining operations are centered around the Sukari gold mine.