Central African Republic suspends gold mine operations after 49 die in collapse

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

Mines Minister Rufin Beltoungou said operations at the Zamboye site would be suspended indefinitely as investigations into Tuesday’s incident continue.

The victims comprised 35 Central Africans, 12 Cameroonians and two Chadians, according to the minister.

The casualty figure differs from an earlier estimate by a local mining association official, who had put the death toll at more than 100.

A prosecutor said rescue operations were still ongoing and that authorities were working to establish the final number of casualties.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with informal mining across Africa, where workers often operate with limited regulatory oversight, inadequate safety standards and little emergency response capacity.

Artisanal mining remains an important source of income for many communities across the continent, but mine collapses and other fatal accidents are common in poorly regulated operations.

The authorities are expected to maintain the suspension of activities at the Zamboye mine while efforts continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.