KHARTOUM, June 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and seven injured after a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Sudan, state-run Mineral Resources Company said on Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Kersh Al-Feel mine in the Houeid area, between the cities of Atbara and Haya in Red Sea State, the company said in a statement. It did not specify the date of the collapse.

The company said the mine had previously been ordered to shut down due to safety concerns.

It pledged to continue monitoring mining activities and to improve safety standards, urging miners to comply with safety and environmental regulations.

Traditional mining accounts for a significant share of Sudan's gold production, but the sector has seen frequent accidents due to poor safety standards and aging infrastructure.

About 1.5 million artisanal miners produce nearly 80 percent of Sudan's gold, which totaled around 64 tonnes in 2024, according to official data. Enditem