Central African Republic Closes Gold Mine After Collapse Kills Over 100

The government of the Central African Republic ordered the closure of a gold-mining site on or around 22 August 2026 after a collapse killed more than 100 people. Officials stated that the operation had failed to meet required safety and regulatory standards.

Video footage circulating online showed the scale of the landslide that buried workers. Rescue efforts recovered bodies over subsequent days. Exact numbers remain subject to final verification.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining employs large numbers of people across the country but frequently operates with limited oversight. The decision to close the site signals an attempt to enforce existing rules after a high-casualty incident.

Further investigations into ownership, licensing and site management are expected.