In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a devastating mine collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine has claimed the lives of more than 200 people, leaving families and communities in shock. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday as heavy seasonal rains caused the fragile earth to give way, burying miners, children, and women under tons of mud and debris.
The Rubaya mine, located about 60 kilometres from the provincial capital Goma in North Kivu, is a major source of coltan, a mineral used in mobile phones, computers, and other electronics worldwide. Most workers here dig by hand under extremely unsafe conditions, often risking their lives daily for a meagre income.
Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed provincial governor, said, “More than 200 people were victims of this landslide, including miners, children and market women.” Rescue teams are working to reach those still trapped, but the unstable ground makes efforts dangerous and slow. Local hospitals are treating survivors, many with serious injuries.
The exact death toll remains uncertain, with some officials estimating at least 227 lives lost. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and despair as families desperately searched for missing loved ones.
Rubaya is under the control of the M23 rebel group, which has held the area since 2024. The group levies taxes on mineral trade, including coltan, which makes up an estimated 15% of the world’s supply. Despite this wealth, the local population lives in extreme poverty, with little access to safety measures or infrastructure.
This disaster highlights the dangers faced by informal miners in eastern DRC, where armed conflicts, unregulated mining, and poor safety standards make tragedies like this all too common. Communities here mourn their losses, while humanitarian agencies urge immediate support and stronger safety oversight.
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