At least 30 miners killed in Central African Republic gold mine collapse

Wednesday 19 August 2026 - 08:33

By: Azzat Manal

At least 30 miners killed in Central African Republic gold mine collapse

At least 30 people have died after a traditional gold mine collapsed in the Central African Republic, according to local authorities and residents, in the latest deadly accident to highlight the risks associated with informal mining operations.

The collapse occurred on Tuesday morning in the Aba area of Nana-Mambéré prefecture, where part of the mine suddenly gave way and trapped workers underground.

Rescue teams, assisted by local residents, began searching the site shortly after the accident. Thirty bodies were reportedly recovered from the collapsed mine, while several injured workers were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

A survivor, Florian Gagindé, said rescuers were continuing to search for workers believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble. The chances of finding survivors are becoming increasingly limited as the rescue operation continues.

Suleiman B., the deputy mayor of the area, said local residents had joined emergency teams in the search and recovery effort. Authorities have not yet established the exact cause of the collapse.

Gold mining is an important source of income for many communities in the Central African Republic, where informal and small-scale mining provides livelihoods for workers and their families. However, such operations can expose miners to significant dangers, particularly when excavation takes place without adequate structural reinforcement, geological assessment or safety equipment.

Mine collapses are among the most serious hazards faced by workers in informal mining areas. Heavy rainfall, unstable ground, poorly supported tunnels and uncontrolled excavation can all contribute to sudden structural failures.

The latest accident is expected to renew concerns over safety standards in artisanal mining and the need for stronger monitoring and emergency-response mechanisms in remote mining communities.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are expected to assess the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The final death toll could rise if additional victims are found beneath the debris.