Full Breakdown
Deadly Collapse at Artisanal Gold Mine Near CAR-Cameroon Border
8/20/2026, 12:36:40 AM
Incident Overview
On August 19, an artisanal gold mine in the village of Zamboye, close to the Cameroon border, collapsed, prompting a large-scale rescue operation in the Nana-Mambere prefecture of the Central African Republic.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue
The death toll remains uncertain. A senior official at a local mining association said more than 100 people were killed. The prosecutor confirmed the collapse but noted that the exact number of fatalities was still being established. Deputy mayor Souleymane Bi reported that rescuers and residents had recovered 30 bodies, while a local civil servant estimated about 40 deaths. Another local official told AFP the toll was around 30. Rescue teams continued searching for additional miners, with survivors saying the likelihood of finding more survivors was diminishing.
Official Responses
Cameroonian authorities announced they were prepared to receive and provide medical care to any injured persons who crossed the border. The prosecutor indicated that an investigation would be opened to determine the cause of the collapse and identify who was operating the site.
Context of Artisanal Mining in the Central African Republic
Artisanal mining sustains the livelihoods of several thousand Central Africans, but weak regulation and poor safety standards frequently result in deadly accidents. Recent comparable incidents include a June landslide at the Be-Mbari gold-mining site and earlier collapses in Ngourroum (seven deaths) and Gordi (twenty deaths).
Next Steps
The prosecutor-led investigation will examine site management and safety practices. Ongoing rescue operations aim to locate any remaining trapped miners, while regional health services stand ready to treat the injured.
