A catastrophic collapse at an artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border in the Central African Republic has claimed at least 30 lives, with rescue efforts ongoing.

  • At least 30 bodies recovered from a collapsed gold mine in western CAR.
  • The incident occurred near the village of Zamboye, close to the Cameroon border.
  • Local officials fear the death toll could rise to 40.
  • Artisanal mining remains a high-risk, unregulated sector in the region.

A devastating mining accident in the Central African Republic (CAR) has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people. Officials confirmed that an artisanal gold mine collapsed in the western part of the country, near the border with Cameroon, triggering a massive rescue operation.

The incident took place in the village of Zamboye, located just a few kilometers from the Cameroonian town of Garoua-Boulai. Souleymane Bi, the deputy mayor of the Nana-Mambere prefecture, stated that rescuers and local residents had pulled at least 30 bodies from the wreckage over several hours. However, local civil servants suggest the actual fatality count could be as high as 40.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the prevalence of unregulated artisanal mining in the Central African Republic creates a cycle of extreme economic necessity and lethal risk. Because these mines often operate outside government oversight, they lack the structural integrity and safety protocols required to prevent such catastrophic collapses, making every shift a life-threatening gamble for thousands of workers.

The ground completely collapsed and buried people; we are still searching for those trapped beneath the debris.

Eyewitness Cedric Mbango, a miner at the site, described the moment of the collapse as "catastrophic," noting that the earth gave way suddenly, swallowing workers whole. Government spokesman Evariste Ngamana has expressed condolences to the families and stated that authorities are working to provide relief to those affected.

Historical Context of Mining Fatalities

This is not an isolated incident in the region. The Central African Republic has seen a string of deadly mining accidents throughout 2026:

  • June 2026: Dozens killed at the Be-Mbari gold mining site.
  • March 2026: Seven people killed in a landslide in Ngourroum.
  • February 2026: 20 people died in Gordi.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where exactly did the mine collapse occur?
The collapse occurred in the village of Zamboye, near the Cameroon border in western Central African Republic.

2. Is the death toll certain?
While 30 bodies have been officially recovered, local officials believe the number could reach 40 as rescue operations continue.