# Central African Republic gold mine collapse > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/central-african-republic-gold-mine-collapse > Updated: 2026-08-29T12:25:05.000Z. Sources: 81. Developments: 3. A catastrophic landslide occurred at an artisanal gold mine in Zamboye, located in the Nana-Mambéré prefecture of western Central African Republic, near the border with Cameroon. The collapse, which appears to have been triggered by the failure of several underground tunnels, resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people. Rescue efforts faced difficulties due to a lack of specialized heavy equipment. Local authorities and the Red Cross confirmed the high death toll, noting that many miners remained trapped beneath debris. Victims include Cameroonian and Chadian nationals. A judicial inquiry was launched by the Baboua public prosecutor to investigate the causes of the collapse and determine legal responsibility, as officials noted the site did not follow standard regulations. Regional Governor Gregoire Mvongo stated that local administration is working with the central government to manage the disaster. Following the incident, the Minister of Mines, Rufin Benam-Beltoungou, ordered the temporary closure of the mine and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Recent reports have highlighted discrepancies in casualty figures. While official government data initially reported 49 deaths following the August 18 incident, local sources suggest the death toll may exceed hundreds. Father Marcello Bartolomei, a missionary and vicar general in the diocese of Bouar, noted that seasonal heavy rains and a total lack of safety infrastructure likely contributed to the collapse. The disaster also brings renewed attention to the region’s unregulated mining sector. A United Nations report previously documented networks of illicit gold extraction and trafficking in the area involving foreign intermediaries and armed elements from the 3R rebel movement, noting that rising global gold prices have intensified incentives for high-risk, informal mining. As of late August, the Zamboyé mine remains closed. This continued shutdown has paralyzed the local economy, which relies heavily on the mine for employment and trade. ## Claims - The death toll from the gold mine collapse is at least 100 people. (disputed by 23 sources) - At least 30 miners were initially confirmed dead in the Abba region collapse. (disputed by 9 sources) - The collapse occurred at the Zamboye artisanal gold mining site. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The landslide was caused by the collapse of several underground tunnels. (corroborated by 13 sources) - At least four Cameroonian nationals were among the victims. (corroborated by 12 sources) - A judicial inquiry has been opened regarding the mining accident. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Establishing a formal death toll remains difficult due to the scale of the disaster. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The accident occurred at an artisanal gold mining site that does not follow regulations. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The death toll is expected to rise as several people remain missing. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The landslide occurred on Tuesday, August 18, in the Zamboye region. (corroborated by 8 sources) - 107 bodies have been recovered from the debris. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-29: Zamboyé gold mine remains closed after deadly collapse The Zamboyé gold mine in the Central African Republic is closed following a deadly collapse, disrupting the local economy and regional trade near the Cameroon border. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamboy-gold-mine-remains-closed-after-deadly-collapse ### 2026-08-23: Zamboï gold mine collapse causes mass casualties in Central African Republic A gold mine collapse in Zamboï, Central African Republic, has caused numerous deaths, highlighting the dangers of unregulated artisanal mining and illegal gold trafficking networks in the region. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zambo-gold-mine-collapse-causes-mass-casualties-in-central-african-republic ### 2026-08-18: Zamboye gold mine collapse kills over 100 people in Central African Republic At least 100 people died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in Zamboye, Central African Republic, on August 18. Rescue efforts continue as authorities investigate the cause of the landslide. 77 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gold-mine-collapse-in-central-african-republic-kills-at-least-30 --- Cite as: Central African Republic gold mine collapse. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/central-african-republic-gold-mine-collapse