Central African Republic Shuts Mine After Fatal Collapse

The Central African Republic temporarily closed a border gold mine on Thursday after a massive landslide killed dozens of workers.

Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou confirmed 49 deaths—including citizens from CAR, Cameroon, and Chad—while local sources estimate the true death toll reaches nearly 100 people.

Rising floodwaters from heavy rains and ongoing structural collapses forced authorities to suspend rescue efforts at the Zamboye site.

Death Toll Hits 100 in CAR Gold Mine Landslide

The government deployed security personnel, including Russian Wagner Group fighters, to enforce the closure and secure the area.

Medical teams transported seven injured survivors to a hospital in nearby Baboua.

Central African Republic shuts mine after fatal collapse (News Central TV) — The Central African Republic shuts mine after a fatal collapse. Credit: DW

The catastrophic cave-in highlights the extreme hazards of unmonitored artisanal mining throughout the impoverished country.

Civil society leaders condemned state officials for neglecting safety standards, noting that another illegal gold mine collapse killed dozens of workers along the same border just months earlier.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.