Story perspectives

CAR Closes Zamboye Gold Mine After Tunnel Collapse

8/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

CAR authorities closed the Zamboye gold mine after a tunnel collapse killed over 100 people.
Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou reported 49 deaths: 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians, two Chadians.
Deputy mayor Souleymane Bi said over 100 bodies were recovered, many victims still missing.
Baboua prosecutor opened a judicial inquiry into the tunnel collapse and site operators.
Red Cross volunteers and youth council members said rescue teams lack equipment for recovery.

History

Historical Context

On 5 August 2010 a collapse at Chile’s San José mine trapped 33 miners for 69 days; their rescue on 13 October spurred President Sebastián Piñera to dismiss SERNAGEOMIN officials and launch a safety commission that issued 30 proposals. State-owned Codelco funded roughly 75 % of the $20 million operation, prompting a lasting rise in Chilean mine inspections.

1 of 2

Story summary

CAR authorities closed the Zamboye gold mine after a tunnel collapse killed over 100 people.
Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou reported 49 deaths: 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians, two Chadians.
Deputy mayor Souleymane Bi said over 100 bodies were recovered, many victims still missing.
Baboua prosecutor opened a judicial inquiry into the tunnel collapse and site operators.
Red Cross volunteers and youth council members said rescue teams lack equipment for recovery.

1 / 2