Why are Sudanese scrambling to extract gold despite the high risks?

A large number of Sudanese are turning to traditional gold mining in light of the worsening economic crisis in the country and the decline in the sources of income available to them, despite the high risks involved in this activity, according to a report by BBC Arabic.

Many gold prospectors see this activity as a relatively quick opportunity to make money in a country whose economy is under great pressure, making it an option that many turn to as a way to secure their daily needs.

Multiple Risks

Traditional gold mining is not without serious risks, including collapses at drilling sites, the use of hazardous chemicals in gold-soil separation, and the absence of occupational safety standards at many irregular mining sites.

Although many workers are aware of the risks surrounding their work, increasing economic pressures are pushing them to continue this activity in search of an alternative source of income in light of the scarcity of other available opportunities.

The report did not specify exactly how much revenue the sector was generating or how many people were working in it nationwide.