At least 82 people are dead and dozens remain missing after a devastating collapse at the Al-Masriya gold mine in eastern Sudan. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

A gold mine collapse in Sudan's eastern region killed at least 82 people and left dozens more missing, officials said.

The incident occurred at the Al-Masriya mine, where workers were extracting ore when a section of the shaft gave way. Emergency crews arrived within hours and began clearing debris, but the depth of the collapse hampered rescue efforts.

Local authorities confirmed the death toll early Tuesday and warned that the final count could rise as more bodies are recovered. "We are doing everything possible to locate survivors," said a spokesperson for the Sudanese Ministry of Mining.

Families of the victims gathered outside the site, demanding answers about safety protocols. The mine, operated by a private company, had previously passed government inspections, but critics argue that inadequate ventilation and aging support structures contributed to the tragedy.

Rescue teams employed drilling equipment to create ventilation shafts and used remote cameras to assess conditions underground. "The situation remains hazardous," the ministry spokesperson added, noting that aftershocks could further destabilize the shaft.

International aid groups have offered assistance, sending medical supplies and technical experts to support the ongoing operation. The United Nations office in Khartoum pledged to monitor the response and ensure that workers' rights are respected in future mining activities.

Sudan's mining sector accounts for a significant portion of the country's export revenue, making safety lapses a matter of both human and economic concern. Analysts say the disaster could prompt a review of regulatory oversight across the industry.

Authorities have ordered the suspension of all mining activities at Al-Masriya until a thorough investigation is completed. The investigation will examine structural integrity, compliance with safety standards, and the chain of command responsible for daily operations.

As the search continues, community leaders are urging the government to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and to improve working conditions for miners nationwide.