Gold Mine Collapse in Central African Republic Kills Over 100 Miners

A Pattern of Deadly Mine Accidents

Artisanal mine collapses are common in the Central African Republic, where several thousand people work in small-scale extraction mining outside government control. The work is risky because miners typically lack sufficient protection, and accidents are often deadly.

In June, a collapse killed dozens of people at the Be-Mbari gold mining site, also on the Cameroon border. In mid-March, a landslide killed seven people at a mine in the village of Ngourroum in western CAR, and another 20 people were killed in February in Gordi, in the northeast of the country.

Official Statements and Investigation

The landslide is believed to have been caused by "the collapse of several underground tunnels in which miners were operating," the Baboua public prosecutor said in a statement, announcing that a judicial inquiry had been opened.

Baboua local official Laurent Ngon Baba cautioned that establishing a formal death toll remained difficult at this stage. Government spokesman Evariste Ngamana expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and said authorities are "working hard to provide relief and assistance" to those affected.

Gregoire Mvongo, governor of the eastern Cameroonian region, said on public CRTV radio that officials were "working in close collaboration with our Central African colleagues to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy."

What Happens Next

Rescue attempts remain under way at the collapsed site, where additional people are still believed to be buried. Authorities have not yet confirmed a formal death toll, and a judicial inquiry has been opened to determine the circumstances of the collapse.

Officials from the Central African Republic and Cameroon have said they are collaborating on relief and assistance efforts, while further information about the final number of casualties is awaited.