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Zamboye gold mine collapse in Central African Republic

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-23 00:05 UTC → 2026-09-06 15:16 UTC · added removed

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. There The site is reportedly owned by the company Douakouzou. There remains a discrepancy regarding the death toll. While the government Ministry of Mines provided a provisional figure official count of 49 deaths—including citizens from the deceased—comprising 34 Central African Republic, Cameroon, Africans, 13 Cameroonians, and Chad—local 2 Chadians—local Red Cross volunteers, mining association officials, volunteers and subsequent other reports indicate that the number of deceased exceeds 100. Many miners remain missing or trapped. at least 100 people have died. Rescue operations have faced difficulties due to were hampered by heavy seasonal rains, unstable ground, and a lack of specialized machinery, and the threat of further landslides. In response heavy machinery. Heavy rains are believed to the disaster, have caused a secondary collapse that trapped workers in muddy areas. In response, the Central African Republic government has ordered the closure of the Zamboye mining site, citing 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-06 15:16 UTC Zamboye gold mine collapse in Central African Republic
  2. 2026-08-23 00:05 UTC Zamboye gold mine collapse in Central African Republic
  3. 2026-08-22 09:38 UTC Zamboye gold mine collapse in Central African Republic

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