Over 200 Killed in Congo Mine Collapse

LUMUMBA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – More than 200 people were killed this week in a tragic mine collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The disaster occurred on Wednesday, and as of Friday, the exact death toll remained uncertain. The collapse left miners, children, and market women among the victims, with some individuals rescued just in time.

According to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of the region, the site of the collapse is responsible for producing about 15% of the world’s coltan. Coltan, processed into tantalum, is crucial for manufacturing mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines. The mine, where locals manually dig for a few dollars a day, has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024.

An adviser to the governor confirmed that at least 227 people had died in the landslide. The collapse was triggered by fragile ground during the rainy season. Many victims were working in the mine’s deep pits when the earth gave way, burying them under tons of debris. Approximately 20 injured individuals were being treated in nearby health facilities.

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The tragedy has drawn attention to the dangerous working conditions in the Rubaya mine, which is heavily controlled by armed rebel groups. The United Nations has accused the AFC/M23 rebels of exploiting the mine’s resources to fund their insurgency. This group, supported by Rwanda, is fighting to overthrow the Congolese government and protect the Tutsi minority in the region. Rwanda denies these allegations.

This catastrophic event has further highlighted the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, where armed groups continue to exploit the region’s rich mineral resources, causing loss of life and displacing thousands of people. As authorities continue to search for survivors, the international community has called for increased efforts to ensure safety and protect workers in these high-risk mines.