Egypt arrests hundreds of illegal gold miners near its border with Sudan, as military operations raise fresh concerns over security and mining activities.
Egypt’s military announced the arrest of 691 people during an operation targeting illegal gold mining near the Sudanese border.
According to Africanews and AFP, the arrests included 151 Egyptians and 540 foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, more than 6,000 people surrendered before the military operation began.
Army spokesman Ahmed Etman announced the figures on Thursday, November 5.
The military also released images that it said showed illegal gold mining activities in the border region.
Egypt arrests hundreds in gold mining operation
Egypt’s military said the operation targeted illegal mining activities near the Sudanese border.
According to Etman, security forces arrested hundreds of people during the operation.
The arrests included Egyptian nationals and foreign workers.
However, authorities did not provide details about the nationalities of the foreign detainees.
The army also reported that more than 6,000 people surrendered before operations began.
The military did not explain what would happen to those who surrendered.
Meanwhile, the operation has drawn attention to security conditions along the Egypt-Sudan border.
Deadly October airstrikes raise concerns
The arrests follow deadly airstrikes near the Egypt-Sudan border in October.
At least 72 gold miners were reportedly killed in attacks on a mining site.
A human rights organisation accused the Egyptian air force of carrying out the strikes.
However, Egyptian authorities have not confirmed responsibility for the reported deaths.
During a press conference, Etman said the military had targeted weapons and ammunition storage sites.
He said the operations relied on intelligence and precise coordinates.
According to the spokesman, armed drones targeted military-related locations rather than civilians.
However, it remains unclear whether his comments referred specifically to the October strikes.
The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths have not been independently established.
Egypt denies targeting civilians
Egypt’s military maintained that its operations focused on security threats.
Etman said military forces used intelligence to identify weapons and ammunition depots.
He also rejected suggestions that civilians were deliberately targeted.
However, the army did not clearly address every allegation concerning the October incident.
The reported deaths have raised questions about the risks facing miners in the border region.
Meanwhile, the latest arrests highlight the difficulties authorities face in controlling mining activities.
Gold mining remains important to Sudan’s economy
Gold mining plays a major role in Sudan’s economy.
The country has significant gold resources, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan.
However, years of conflict have disrupted mining activities and weakened government oversight.
As a result, illegal mining and gold smuggling remain major challenges.
A United Nations Panel of Experts report published in 2024 estimated that more than half of Sudan’s mined gold was smuggled out of the country.
Gold revenues have also become an important source of financing during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
Both formal and informal trading networks operate across the region.
Consequently, controlling gold production and cross-border trade remains difficult.
Sudan conflict increases border security concerns
The war in Sudan has created additional security challenges for neighbouring countries.
Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has disrupted trade and displaced millions.
The conflict has also affected gold-producing areas.
Meanwhile, armed groups and informal traders continue to operate across parts of Sudan.
These conditions have increased concerns about smuggling and border security.
Egypt shares a long border with Sudan and has received people fleeing the conflict.
Therefore, developments along the border remain important for both countries.
What happens next for detained gold miners?
Egyptian authorities have not announced detailed legal proceedings against the detained miners.
It also remains unclear whether the foreign nationals will face prosecution or deportation.
Meanwhile, questions remain about the October airstrikes and the reported civilian deaths.
The Egyptian military maintains that its operations targeted security threats.
However, rights groups have called attention to the risks facing people working in remote mining areas.
For now, Egypt’s latest operation highlights the growing security challenges surrounding gold mining near Sudan’s border.