Central African Republic: Deadly Border Mine Collapse Exposes Risks Behind Central Africa's Gold Rush

What the report says

A deadly landslide at the Zamboye gold mine on the Cameroon-Central African Republic border has put renewed pressure on authorities to tighten oversight of artisanal mining in the region. According to Radio France Internationale, the collapse occurred on Tuesday near Baboua in the Central African Republic, after heavy rain had made the ground unstable. Local accounts cited by RFI said the open-pit site was crowded, with hundreds of workers on site when the pit gave way.

Central African authorities said at least 49 people were killed, including nationals from Cameroon and Chad, while witnesses and relatives of victims said the toll may be closer to 100. Cameroon also confirmed the deaths of at least four of its citizens and reported injuries. The Central African government ordered the mine temporarily closed and prosecutors in Baboua opened an investigation. Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou visited the site and said workers had been warned to leave because of the loose soil and prolonged rainfall.

The disaster has intensified criticism of the way gold mining is managed in both countries, especially at informal sites that operate with limited safety measures. Opposition figures in Central Africa and Cameroon urged inquiries and stronger enforcement, arguing that illegal and poorly regulated mining is fueling repeated tragedies. The article also notes that Cameroon has recently moved to tighten controls in its mining sector, reflecting broader efforts across Central Africa to capture more value from mineral resources while reducing environmental and safety risks.