Silent 15 of Bilalikoto – Honoring the Fallen: A Call to Action for Safer Mining Conditions in Africa
15th February
Every year, we encourage organizations, mining communities, and industry stakeholders across Africa to mark February 15 with meaningful activities such as:
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Moments of silence to honor the fallen miners.
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Awareness campaigns on social media using #Silent15.
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Workshops and training sessions on mining safety.
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Policy discussions advocating for better regulations.
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Commemorative events in mining communities to honor the memories of those lost.
A Day of Remembrance and Advocacy
On February 15, 2025, in Bilalikoto, Mali, over 48 artisanal women miners tragically lost their lives while working at a gold mine to support their families.
To ensure that these sacrifices are never forgotten, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has formally adopted “Silent 15 of Bilalikoto – Honoring the Fallen” as an annual day of remembrance.
This day stands as a solemn tribute to the countless women who risk their lives daily in artisanal mining under unsafe and exploitative conditions and serves as a rallying cry for justice, safety, and regulatory reform.
Documented Cases of Mine Collapses
The tragic event at Bilalikoto is not an isolated incident. Below are some documented cases of mine collapses across the continent, which underscore the urgent need for reform:
Ghana:
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November 2018: 48 miners buried in a collapse at an artisanal gold mining site in Obuasi.
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December 2017: 35 miners killed in a collapse at an artisanal gold mining site in Tarkwa.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
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March 2019: 30 miners lost in a collapse in Katanga Province.
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April 2018: 40 miners killed in a collapse in Likasi, Katanga Province.
Zambia:
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July 2020: 20 miners lost their lives in a gold mine collapse near a village in the Mopani Region.
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June 2019: 25 miners perished in a collapse in the Copperbelt region.
Mali:
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May 2021: 15 individuals, predominantly women and children, died in a collapse near Segou.
Sierra Leone:
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October 2021: 22 miners perished in a collapse at an artisanal diamond and gold mine in Kono District.
Uganda:
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February 2022: 18 workers were killed in a collapse in the Busoga region.
Nigeria:
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January 2018: 30 miners killed at an artisanal gold mining site in Zamfara State.
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June 2019: 22 miners buried in a collapse in Ebonyi State.
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August 2020: 18 fatalities in an artisanal mining collapse in Nasarawa State.
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October 2021: 25 lives lost at an artisanal mining site in Kogi State.
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March 2022: 20 miners killed in a collapse in Ogun State.
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December 2022: 28 miners perished in an artisanal mining collapse in Benue State.
Zimbabwe:
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March 2019: 32 miners lost in a collapse at an artisanal gold mining site in Mashonaland West.
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July 2020: 26 miners perished in a collapse in Matabeleland North.
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November 2021: 30 miners died in a collapse in Midlands Province.
A Call for Change
Our preliminary analysis of 19 recorded mine accident cases across the continent reveals a disturbing pattern of systemic failures—ranging from inadequate safety protocols to insufficient regulatory oversight—that continue to endanger lives in mining communities.
A total of 534 lives have been lost in these tragic incidents, based on our compiled data from December 2017 to February 2025. This figure is not exhaustive but rather a representative number derived from the limited information available at the time of this compilation. We are confident that our colleagues in the field can identify additional cases from other regions in Africa. It is imperative that these losses are addressed with the utmost seriousness and that urgent measures are implemented to mitigate further tragedies.
Recommendations for Action
In light of these findings, we call on governments, industry leaders, and stakeholders to take urgent, decisive action by:
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Implementing stricter safety regulations.
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Establishing comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems.
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Investing in training programs for artisanal miners.
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Formalizing mining operations to ensure transparency and accountability.
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Creating sustainable livelihood alternatives for affected communities.
By embracing these measures, we can transform Silent 15 from a day of remembrance into a catalyst for lasting change, ensuring that the safety, dignity, and economic empowerment of women in mining are prioritized across Africa.
"We reaffirm our commitment to ending unsafe mining practices and advocating for a future where no one has to risk their life to earn a living." Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji
A Collective Responsibility for a Safer Future
To prevent further tragedies and ensure safer mining conditions, we urge the following actions:
Regional and National Governments:
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Establish and enforce uniform safety standards across all mining operations.
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Invest in training programs for artisanal miners.
State and Local Authorities:
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Create rapid response teams and improve emergency services in mining communities.
Private Sector:
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Invest in modern safety technologies.
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Form partnerships with NGOs to formalize artisanal mining practices.
Women in Mining Organizations & Artisanal Miners:
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Advocate for safer working conditions.
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Develop cooperative strategies for collective bargaining.
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Engage in capacity building to formalize operations and secure economic outcomes.
International and Regional Bodies:
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Support initiatives like BIOFIN and Agenda 2063 to drive sustainable development in the mining sector.
These recommendations aim to prevent further tragedies and transform mining operations into safer, more sustainable, and inclusive enterprises across Africa. Silent 15 of Bilalikoto stands as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect those who put their lives at risk every day.
