Gold mine shut in Central African Republic after deadly collapse
The mine, located beside the Kadei River, was closed and access to the pit was restricted
Dubai: Authorities in the Central African Republic have temporarily closed an artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border after a landslide killed at least 49 people, while local sources put the toll at around 100.
The collapse struck the Zamboye mining site earlier this week, burying miners beneath mud and rubble. Mines Minister Rufin Benam-Beltoungou said the official toll included 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians and two Chadians.
Seven injured people were taken to a hospital in nearby Baboua, about 50 kilometres from the mine. Rescue operations have faced difficulties as heavy rains flooded parts of the site and further collapses raised fears for those still trapped.
Video footage from the scene showed a torrent of muddy water and earth moving through the sprawling open-pit mine, while people gathered nearby to watch rescue efforts.
The mine, located beside the Kadei River, was closed and access to the pit was restricted. Security personnel were also deployed in the area.
The disaster has renewed concerns over the dangers of informal mining in the mineral-rich country, where many sites operate with limited safety measures and state oversight. A similar mine collapse near the Cameroon border in June also killed several people.
Video: AFP
