Gold mine shut in Central African Republic after deadly collapse

An artisanal gold mine in the Central African Republic, located near the Cameroon border, has been temporarily shut down following a tragic landslide that claimed at least 49 lives, with local sources estimating the death toll to be around 100. The collapse occurred at the Zamboye mining site earlier this week, burying miners under mud and rubble.

Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou confirmed that the official death toll included 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians, and two Chadians. Seven injured miners were transported to a hospital in nearby Baboua, situated approximately 50 kilometers from the mine.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy rains that have flooded parts of the site and triggered additional collapses, raising fears for those still trapped beneath the debris. Video footage from the scene depicted a torrent of muddy water and earth rushing through the expansive open-pit mine, while onlookers gathered nearby to witness the rescue operations.

The mine, situated adjacent to the Kadei River, was promptly closed and access to the pit restricted following the incident. Security personnel were deployed to the area to maintain order.

The disaster has reignited concerns over the perils of informal mining in the mineral-rich Central African Republic, where many sites operate with minimal safety measures and inadequate state oversight. A similar mine collapse near the Cameroon border in June also resulted in fatalities, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with such activities.