More than 100 killed in mine collapse in Central African Republic

For context, the mine collapsed in the village of Zimbolé, near the Cameroonian border.

Key points

• Cameroon's Mines Ministry remarked both Cameroonian and Central African miners were believed to be among the dead and deployed a team to assess the situation along the border.
• Artisanal mine collapses are common in Central African Republic, where thousands of individuals work in small-scale mining, often with little protection.
• The mine collapsed in the village of Zimbolé, near the Cameroonian border.
• Mines Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou expressed condolences to victims' families and cautioned miners concerning the dangers of unsafe mining practices, according to a statement posted by the ministry.
• Researchers and local media documented earlier this year on unsafe and unregulated mining associated with a rapidly expanding gold rush around Zamboye, where the mine collapsed.

For context, the mine collapsed in the village of Zimbolé, near the Cameroonian border. While office-holders cautioned that the death toll could rise, rescue teams are continuing operations to locate and save individuals who remain trapped.

Authorities have introduced an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and identify those responsible for operating the mine.

Cameroon has offered medical assistance to treat individuals injured in the accident.

In practice, the mine collapsed Tuesday after a landslide. Local authorities and the Red Cross stated Wednesday that more than 100 individuals had died and cautioned the toll was probable to rise.

Some of the victims were from neighboring Cameroon. Cameroon's Mines Ministry remarked both Cameroonian and Central African miners were believed to be among the dead and deployed a team to assess the situation along the border. The state-run Cameroon Tribune documented at least four Cameroonians were killed.

Artisanal mine collapses are common in Central African Republic, where thousands of individuals work in small-scale mining, often with little protection. Pits are frequently dug by hand and can reach a number of meters deep.

Without adequate reinforcement, shifting ground can cause tunnels to collapse suddenly, burying miners within seconds.

Researchers and local media documented earlier this year on unsafe and unregulated mining associated with a rapidly expanding gold rush around Zamboye, where the mine collapsed. More read, Tragic mine collapse in Congo claims at least 32 lives.

For context, a 2025 report by U.N. Experts documented illicit mining in the area, including the involvement of armed groups and the employ of extraction methods that posed health and environmental risks.

In short, more than 100 killed in mine collapse in Central African Republic is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.