More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities have reported.
The mine, in the town of Rubaya, caved in due to heavy rains, according to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the North Kivu region's rebel governor. Initially, the death toll was unclear as rescue efforts were complicated by the terrain.
Victims included women and children who were mining coltan – a mineral used in the production of electronics such as smartphones and computers. A former supervisor mentioned the mine's poor maintenance as a contributing factor to the disaster, indicating that such neglect makes accidents more likely and hampers rescue efforts.
Many people were artisanal miners, not officially employed by a mining firm, and the fragile soil conditions in the region further exacerbated the likelihood of such tragedies.
Among the casualties was a man whose cousin perished in the collapse. Overwhelmed by grief, he expressed disbelief until his cousin's body was found hours later.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, appointed by M23 rebels, visited survivors recently as the region's mining industry remains a critical yet hazardous source of income for many. Rubaya is known to hold about 15% of the world's coltan supply, underscoring its importance and the urgency for better safety measures.
The situation underscores the broader issues of worker safety in artisanal mining sectors across the region, especially in areas under rebel control. Reports indicate that since 2024, the M23 has controlled the mines, and the UN has raised concerns about their tax imposition on local miners.
The Congolese government has been approached for comments regarding the incident and the ongoing mining conditions in the region.
