The Central African Republic (CAR) has launched a criminal investigation into a fatal attack on a Swiss geologist and a soldier at a mining project, court officials told AFP on Friday.

Unidentified armed men abducted Swiss national Luca Maggini and his security detail on July 31 from a quarrying area, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the capital Bangui, the High Court in the town of Damara said.

Maggini was on a survey for United Arab Emirates-based ADMOG Gold, which has a gold extraction contract with the CAR government.

The country has a wealth of mineral resources, including uranium, lithium, diamonds, timber and gold, which are exploited by foreign companies, including from Canada, China, France, Russia, Rwanda and the United States.

Last week’s attack near the village of Gbango-Carriere comes at a time the government is seeking more foreign investment in mining to boost economic development.

‘Tarnish country’s image’

Infrastructure Minister Pascal Koyagbele voiced concern that the deaths could "tarnish the country's image" and "affect investors' perceptions of the security situation".

Authorities have increased security around mining sites operated by UAE companies, Koyagbele added.

"The Central African government's contract with ADMOG has not been terminated. Once the investigation is complete, operations will resume," he said.