Gold Mine Collapse In Central African Republic Kills At Least 30 Miners

At least 30 miners have died after a gold mine collapsed in the western Central African Republic, with several others feared trapped underground.

The low-tech artisanal mine collapsed on Tuesday morning in the Abba region of Nana-Mambere prefecture, according to survivors and local authorities.

Surviving miner Florian Gaguende said rescuers were searching for additional miners believed to be trapped, although hopes of finding survivors were fading.

Souleymane Bi, deputy mayor of the sub-prefecture, said rescuers and residents recovered 30 bodies over several hours, while injured miners were taken for treatment.

Emergency efforts continued at the site as rescuers searched for those still missing. Footage from the scene showed miners and residents digging through the collapsed pit and recovering bodies from the mine.

Artisanal Mining Risks

Mine collapses are common in the Central African Republic, where thousands of people rely on small-scale and artisanal mining for their livelihoods.

The latest disaster highlights the safety risks faced by miners working in low-tech operations, where limited equipment, weak infrastructure and inadequate safety measures can increase the danger of collapses.

Authorities and local residents have called for additional assistance to support rescue efforts and help those affected by the tragedy.