Mali gold mine: Dozens including women killed in collapse

Mali is one of the biggest gold producers in the world

A spokesperson from the countrys mines ministry confirmed to Reuters that the accident had taken place between the towns of Kenieba and Dabia, but declined to give further details.

Ministry teams are drawing up a report at the scene, Reuters reports.

The collapse on Saturday occurred at an abandoned site formerly operated by a Chinese company, according to AFP.

Beijing is heavily invested in developing Malis mining industries, with the approval of its government.

Mali is currently engaged in a dispute over revenue sharing with one of the largest mining companies in the country, the Canadian firm Barrick.

Last month, the Malian government seized gold bars worth $245m (£194m) from Barrick and issued an arrest warrant for its CEO, Mark Bristow.

Mr Bristow said he had no doubt the conflict would be resolved in an interview with Bloomberg this week.

Mali wins $160m in gold mining dispute after detaining British businessman