AMSG mourns over 100 miners killed in CAR’s mine collapse

The African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) is mourning the loss of over 100 miners killed in a gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic. Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of AMSG, described the incident as a "profound tragedy" and extended deep condolences to the CAR government and the families of the victims.

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The reported deaths of more than 100 artisanal miners following the collapse of a gold-mining site in Zamboye, in the Central African Republic, is a profound tragedy that should trouble the conscience of our continent.

Alake emphasized that the deceased were not just miners but "brothers, fathers, uncles, sons and indeed, breadwinners." He highlighted that the tragedy underscores the grave risks associated with illegal and unregulated mining, which not only deprives African nations of revenue and damages the environment but also endangers human lives.

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These were not just miners, they were our brothers, fathers, uncles, sons and indeed, breadwinners.

Beyond condolences, AMSG urged African governments to confront the reality of illegal mining. The group called for robust enforcement of laws against illegal mining and the criminal networks exploiting mineral wealth. Simultaneously, AMSG stressed the importance of creating safe and legal pathways for artisanal miners to operate productively. The organization pledged to advocate for a continental approach that strengthens regulations, improves mine safety, and ensures Africa's mineral wealth contributes to livelihoods rather than preventable deaths.

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But beyond our condolences, this tragedy must compel us to confront an uncomfortable reality: Illegal and unregulated mining is not only depriving African countries of legitimate revenues, damaging our environment and facilitating the illicit trafficking of our mineral resources. It is also putting the lives of our people at grave risk and robbing us of our virile men.