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Central African Republic gold mine collapse

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2026-08-25 10:21 UTC → 2026-08-31 08:20 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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