More than 100 people have died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic, with rescue teams continuing to search for victims and survivors.

Mine Collapse Near Cameroon Border

The disaster occurred on Tuesday at the Zamboye gold-mining site in Nana-Mambéré prefecture, about 50 kilometres from the town of Baboua and close to the border with Cameroon. A landslide caused part of the low-tech mining operation to collapse, burying miners beneath earth and debris.

A local Red Cross volunteer involved in the emergency response said more than 100 bodies had been recovered, while several survivors were critically injured. Local officials warned that the death toll could increase because some miners remain missing or trapped beneath the rubble.

Rescue Operation Underway

Residents, volunteers and rescue workers have been working to recover bodies and search for anyone who may still be alive. Heavy equipment is also being used in the recovery operation, although difficult conditions at the site are complicating the response.

Authorities have opened an investigation to establish the precise cause of the collapse, identify the victims and determine whether anyone could face responsibility for the operation of the mine.

Dangers of Artisanal Mining

The tragedy highlights the dangers faced by thousands of people working in informal and artisanal mining operations across the Central African Republic. Many sites operate with limited safety equipment, weak structural protections and inadequate regulatory oversight, making mine collapses a recurring threat.

The latest disaster has renewed concerns about safety standards in the country’s mining sector, where poverty and limited employment opportunities continue to push people toward high-risk informal mining.

Death Toll Could Rise

With rescue and recovery operations still underway, authorities have not yet established a final death toll. Officials and aid workers say the number of victims could rise as rescuers gain access to areas still covered by debris.

The collapse is one of the deadliest recent mining disasters in the Central African Republic and is expected to intensify calls for stronger safety regulations and greater oversight of artisanal mining sites.

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