Collapse of gold mine in Central African Republic: at least 100 dead

A serious incident occurred in the Central African Republic, where a collapse at an artisanal gold mine has led to the deaths of at least 100 people. The incident took place on Tuesday around 2:00 PM local time at the Zamboyé mine, located about 50 km from the town of Baboua in the western part of the country, near the border with Cameroon.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams mobilized to try to extract any survivors and recover the bodies of the victims. Reports indicate that many miners may still be trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed mine.

Sources report that the mining sector in the Central African Republic is dominated by artisanal extraction, often operating outside of state regulations, contributing to extremely dangerous conditions for workers. This incident further highlights the risky conditions under which many miners operate in the country.

According to reports, the death toll could rise as several rescue teams are still trying to assess the extent of the disaster and reach the most affected areas.

Local authorities have not yet issued official statements regarding the incident, but it has raised concerns about safety in artisanal mines. The government of the Central African Republic has often been criticized for struggling to ensure safety and control in the mining sector, which remains largely informal.

This tragic event fits into a broader context of difficulties and instability in the country, where incidents of this type are not rare. Non-governmental organizations and international officials have frequently raised alarms about the safety of miners and the need for more effective measures to protect workers. Recovery operations will continue as the country faces the consequences of this tragedy.