The African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) has condemned the reported deaths of more than 100 artisanal miners following the collapse of a gold-mining site in Zamboye, Central African Republic.
AMSG Chairman, Mr Dele Alake, described the incident as a tragedy that should compel African countries to take stronger action against illegal and unregulated mining. He expressed condolences to the government and people of the Central African Republic and the families of the victims.
Alake said illegal mining not only deprives governments of revenue and damages the environment but also exposes miners to grave dangers and facilitates the illicit trafficking of mineral resources.
He called for a balanced approach to artisanal and small-scale mining, urging governments to enforce regulations against criminal networks while creating pathways for miners to operate legally, safely and productively.
According to him, Africa’s mineral wealth should create decent livelihoods rather than cause preventable deaths. He said the AMSG would continue advocating stronger mine-safety standards, responsible formalisation and common policies that ensure the continent benefits sustainably from its vast mineral resources.
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