# Zamboye gold mine collapse in Central African Republic

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zamboye-gold-mine-collapse-in-central-african-republic
> Updated: 2026-09-05T00:11:33.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

On August 18, 2026, several underground tunnels collapsed at an artisanal gold mine in Zamboye, located in the Nana-Mambéré prefecture of the Central African Republic. The site is reportedly owned by the company Douakouzou.

There remains a discrepancy regarding the death toll. While the Ministry of Mines provided a provisional official count of 49 deceased—comprising 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians, and 2 Chadians—local Red Cross volunteers and other reports indicate that at least 100 people have died. 

Rescue operations were hampered by heavy seasonal rains, unstable ground, and a lack of specialized heavy machinery. Heavy rains are believed to have caused a secondary collapse that trapped workers in muddy areas. In response, the government ordered the closure of the Zamboye mining site due to non-compliance with mining standards and administrative directives. However, reports indicate that economic pressure and informal networks have led some workers to return to the pits despite the prohibition.

The closure has caused significant economic hardship for the local village, impacting the livelihoods of families, traders, and intermediaries. The Baboua public prosecutor has launched a judicial investigation to determine the causes of the collapse and establish potential criminal liability. Additionally, Dele Alake, Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group, has called for stronger continental regulations and the formalization of artisanal mining to prevent future disasters.

## Claims

- More than 100 people died in a gold mine collapse. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The collapse occurred at an artisanal gold mine in Zamboye village. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The Baboua public prosecutor has launched an investigation into the incident. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- At least four Cameroonian nationals were among the deceased. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Dele Alake called for stronger regulation and safer mining practices in Africa. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Zamboye gold mine collapse leaves dozens dead and local economy in crisis

A deadly landslide at the Douakouzou artisanal gold mine in Zamboye, Central African Republic, has left at least 49 dead and caused severe economic instability in the local community.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamboye-gold-mine-collapse-leaves-dozens-dead-and-local-economy-in-crisis

### 2026-08-21: Zamboye gold mine collapse kills over 100 in Central African Republic

Over 100 people are reported dead following a gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic. Authorities have closed the site and launched an investigation into the disaster.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gold-mine-collapse-in-central-african-republic-kills-over-100-1

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Cite as: Zamboye gold mine collapse in Central African Republic. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zamboye-gold-mine-collapse-in-central-african-republic