According to Sudan's state-run mining firm, dozens of people have been killed in the collapse of a derelict gold mine in the West Kordofan region.

Sudanese Mineral Resources Company Limited said in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday that the mine collapsed near the hamlet of Fuja, in the En Nahud region, around 700 kilometers south of Khartoum. It stated at least 31 fatalities and injuries but did not provide a particular figure. According to subsequent accounts, the death toll rose to 38.

According to local media reports, many shafts collapsed at the Darsaya mine, and at least eight injured workers were sent to a nearby hospital.

Additionally, the mining business shared photographs of residents congregating at the site as at least two dredgers searched for any survivors and dead.

Other images depicted people preparing tombs for the dead.

The corporation stated that the mine was inoperable, but local miners resumed operations after security officers guarding the site departed. It did not specify when the mine ceased operations.

Collapses are common in Sudan's gold mines, which lack widespread enforcement of safety requirements.