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🇩🇰 Denmark /Disasters & Emergencies

Central African Republic Gold Mine Closed After Collapse Kills 100

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • The Central African Republic has shut down a gold mine following a collapse that killed at least 100 people.
  • The mine, known as Zamboye, was reportedly operating illegally despite previous administrative orders to cease operations.
  • The government cited a failure to comply with mining standards and administrative orders as reasons for the closure, while investigations into the collapse continue.

The government of the Central African Republic has ordered the closure of the Zamboye gold mine after a catastrophic collapse earlier this week resulted in the deaths of at least 100 individuals. Ruffin Benam Beltoungou, the nation's Minister of Mines and Geology, confirmed the closure, stating that the mine had failed to adhere to established mining standards and had disregarded previous administrative directives.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the precise cause of the collapse. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, leaving numerous others injured in addition to the fatalities. Reports indicate that the mine was officially closed, but illegal miners continued to operate at the site, highlighting a persistent issue in the region.

According to the AP, a significant portion of the population in the Central African Republic relies on small-scale mineral extraction for survival. This often forces miners to take considerable risks due to inadequate safety equipment. The country, with its 5.6 million inhabitants, is rich in gold and other valuable minerals, making mining a crucial, albeit dangerous, economic activity for many.

The mine has not complied with mining standards and followed administrative orders.

— Ruffin Benam BeltoungouThe Minister of Mines and Geology stated the reasons for the mine's closure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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