More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to rebel authorities. The mine in the town of Rubaya caved in due to heavy rains, as reported by Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, the spokesman for the North Kivu region's rebel governor. Initially, the death toll was unclear. Tragically, women and children were present at the site, mining coltan—a mineral essential for electronics like smartphones and computers—at the time of the collapse.
A former supervisor highlighted that the mine was not properly maintained, increasing the probability of accidents and complicating rescue efforts. The fragile soil further worsened the already perilous conditions. Among those killed were artisanal miners who were not officially employed. Approximately 20 survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The tragic loss has left families and communities in shock, with one source recounting the heart-wrenching experience of losing a cousin in the landslide. He described his cousin as ambitious, dedicated to supporting his family.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga visited the survivors, acknowledging the extent of the disaster. Rubaya is controlled by the M23 rebel group, which is alleged to be backed by Rwanda and has been accused by the UN of taxing the mining sector for their benefit. The mines in Rubaya account for about 15% of the world's coltan supply, underscoring the global demand for this critical resource. Conditions at the site have been deemed dangerous, with UN observers noting poor safety management since the M23 took control in 2024. The Congolese government has yet to comment on this tragic event.
A former supervisor highlighted that the mine was not properly maintained, increasing the probability of accidents and complicating rescue efforts. The fragile soil further worsened the already perilous conditions. Among those killed were artisanal miners who were not officially employed. Approximately 20 survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The tragic loss has left families and communities in shock, with one source recounting the heart-wrenching experience of losing a cousin in the landslide. He described his cousin as ambitious, dedicated to supporting his family.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga visited the survivors, acknowledging the extent of the disaster. Rubaya is controlled by the M23 rebel group, which is alleged to be backed by Rwanda and has been accused by the UN of taxing the mining sector for their benefit. The mines in Rubaya account for about 15% of the world's coltan supply, underscoring the global demand for this critical resource. Conditions at the site have been deemed dangerous, with UN observers noting poor safety management since the M23 took control in 2024. The Congolese government has yet to comment on this tragic event.
