Tragedy at Zamboye: Artisanal Mine Disaster Kills Over 100 near Cameroon Border

At least 100 miners have reportedly lost their lives following a catastrophic landslide at an artisanal gold site in the western Central African Republic (CAR) on Tuesday afternoon.

The disaster unfolded in Zamboye village, located roughly 50 km from Baboua near the Cameroon border. Earth slid suddenly after several underground tunnels collapsed, swallowing workers whole. With search efforts ongoing, officials fear the death toll will rise sharply over the coming days.

Rescue teams are currently deploying heavy machinery, including tractors, to clear tons of earth. However, workers face severe hurdles, as the unstable terrain risks further cave-ins that could endanger any remaining survivors.

High Risk, Low Safety

Artisanal mining remains a perilous lifeline across resource-rich yet impoverished regions. Lacking structural integrity, informal pits frequently buckle under weight and weather as per reports.

• Over 100 bodies recovered so far from the collapsed Zamboye site.
• Rescue operations hampered by unstable ground and fears of further cave-ins.
• Deceased include citizens from both the Central African Republic and Cameroon.

Similar informal extraction practices in India's own illicit coal and gemstone sectors highlight the deadly nature of unorganised, unregulated mining. Driven by widespread unemployment, vulnerable labourers routinely descend into precarious shafts without basic safety gear, structural monitoring, or insurance.

Cross-Border Toll

Officials in Cameroon's Eastern region have reportedly confirmed that at least three Cameroonian citizens are among the dead. Authorities from both nations are coordinating efforts to identify bodies and support grieving families.

Investigators reportedly believe the simultaneous failure of multiple subterranean tunnels triggered the fatal ground collapse. Local administrators noted that finding survivors at this stage remains unlikely, though clearing operations will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.

A Recurring Pattern

This tragedy marks the deadliest mining disaster in CAR this year, where desperate economic conditions drive thousands to risk their lives daily in informal pits.

Prior to Tuesday’s catastrophe, at least 40 people had already perished in various mining accidents across the country in 2026. A formal investigation is underway to establish the precise chain of events behind the Zamboye tunnel failures.