A Gold Pit Collapsed in Central Africa and Killed Miners From Three Countries
The Central African Republic has suspended mining at Zamboye after a collapse its mines minister says killed 49 people, including twelve Cameroonians and two Chadians. The post A Gold Pit Collapsed in Central Africa and Killed Miners From Three Countries appeared first on The Rio Times .
A gold pit collapsed in Central Africa, resulting in fatalities from three countries on Tuesday 18 August. Zamboye, located in the western prefecture of Nana-Mambéré, about 50km from Baboua and near the Cameroonian border, was the site of the collapse. According to Mines Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou, 49 people died in the incident.
The nationalities of the victims include 35 Central Africans, twelve Cameroonians, and two Chadians. However, other sources report higher numbers, with a Red Cross volunteer, a local youth council member, and the mayor of Garoua-Boulaï in Cameroon estimating fatalities to be over 100. The mayor's figure stands at 107. The mine remained closed after the minister's visit on Wednesday 19 August, and the government announced a suspension until further notice.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, identify the victims, and assess criminal liability. This is not the first such incident in the country, with three others recorded this year, including collapses at Gordi, Ngourroum, and Bé-Mbari. Central African artisanal gold production often involves migrant labor from neighboring countries, crossing internationally recognized borders for work.
The lack of engineering standards and insufficient inspections contribute to the high risk associated with these pits.
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