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Sources say the mine, currently under rebel control, has been poorly maintained. [File: BBC]
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At least 200 people have lost their lives following the collapse of a mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to officials from the rebel administration in the region.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Rubaya town after heavy rainfall caused the mine to cave in, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu, told journalists. Authorities said the exact number of fatalities was still being verified.
At the time of the collapse, women and children were among those extracting coltan, a mineral widely used in the production of electronic devices such as smartphones and computers.
A former mine supervisor told News Agencies that poor maintenance at the site significantly increased the risk of accidents and made rescue operations more difficult when disasters occur. He noted that the instability of the soil further aggravated the situation.
Coltan miners in Congo
Those killed include women, children, and artisanal miners—individuals working independently rather than for registered mining companies. About 20 people who survived the collapse are reportedly receiving medical care in hospital.
One resident whose cousin died in the landslide described the tragedy as devastating, calling it “a huge loss” to both the family and the wider community.
“I couldn’t believe he would die in such a way,” the source, who requested anonymity, told News Agencies. He described his cousin as hardworking and determined, saying his primary aim was to support his wife and two children.
“At first, I refused to accept that he was gone because investigations were still underway. His body hadn’t been recovered, so I hoped he might still be alive. Sadly, hours later, his body was found,” he added.
On Friday, North Kivu governor Erasto Bahati Musanga—installed by the M23 rebels after they took control of large parts of the province—visited survivors of the disaster.
Rubaya is among several towns in North Kivu currently under M23 control, a group that international observers say receives backing from neighbouring Rwanda.
The Rubaya mines are particularly significant, containing an estimated 15% of the world’s coltan reserves and about half of DR Congo’s total deposits. Coltan contains tantalum, a metal essential for manufacturing high-performance capacitors used in many electronic products, making it highly sought after globally.
The M23 rebels have controlled the mines since 2024, and the United Nations has accused the group of levying taxes on mining activities for its own gain.
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