Central African Republic closes gold mine after collapse kills 49

Authorities in the Central African Republic have ordered the closure of an artisanal gold mine near the Cameroonian border following a deadly collapse that claimed the lives of 49 people.

Mines Minister Rufin Beltoungou announced that the government would formally suspend all activity at the site in Zamboye until further notice. The disaster occurred on Tuesday, and the deceased were identified as 35 Central Africans, 12 Cameroonians, and two Chadians.

Earlier reports from a senior official at a local mining association had suggested that more than 100 people might have been killed. A prosecutor confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing and the final casualty count is still being determined.

Artisanal mining is a significant source of employment and income across Africa. However, these informal operations frequently function with minimal oversight, inadequate safety protocols, and limited emergency response capabilities, making fatal accidents like collapses a common occurrence. Cameroon has committed to formalizing parts of the sector to improve regulation, safety, and tax collection.

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the dead were 35 Central Africans, 12 Cameroonians and two Chadians.