A deadly landslide at the rebel-controlled Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Congo killed miners, children and traders during the rainy season, exposing dangerous artisanal mining tied to global electronics supply chains.
A devastating collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this week has claimed the lives of over 200 people, according to statements from local authorities.
Lubumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of the province where the mine is located, informed Reuters on Friday that more than 200 individuals were victims of the landslide.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday and the precise toll was still unclear as of Friday evening.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw the ground give way while victims were in the mine. Muyisa specified that those affected included miners, children, and market women. While some individuals were rescued with serious injuries, approximately 20 injured people are currently receiving treatment in health facilities.
The spokesperson attributed the collapse to the fragile ground conditions during the ongoing rainy season. An adviser to the governor, speaking anonymously, later stated that the number of confirmed dead was at least 227. The precise toll remained unclear as of Friday evening.
The Rubaya mine is a significant global source, producing around 15% of the world’s coltan, a mineral processed into tantalum. Tantalum is a heat-resistant metal in high demand for various technologies, including mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines. Locals at the site reportedly dig manually for a few dollars per day.
Since 2024, the mine has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group. The United Nations has stated that AFC/M23 has plundered Rubaya’s riches to help fund its insurgency, an operation it alleges is backed by the government of neighboring Rwanda, an accusation Kigali denies.
With inputs from Reuters
