World News
Over 200 killed in coltan mine collapse after landslide in eastern Congo
At least 200 people were killed earlier this week after a landslide triggered by heavy rains collapsed several coltan mines in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials from the rebel-controlled region said on Saturday.
At least 200 people were killed earlier this week after a landslide triggered by heavy rains collapsed several coltan mines in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials from the rebel-controlled region said on Saturday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Rubaya mining site in North Kivu province, an area currently under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed provincial governor, said many victims remain buried under mud and debris.
“For now, there are more than 200 dead, some of whom are still trapped and have not yet been recovered,” Muyisa told The Associated Press. He added that several others were injured and rushed to nearby health centres in Rubaya, while ambulances were being arranged to transfer critically wounded patients to Goma, about 50 kilometres away.
Following the tragedy, authorities temporarily suspended artisanal mining operations and ordered residents living near the site to relocate for safety reasons.
Key mining hub
Rubaya is located in mineral-rich eastern Congo, a region long plagued by armed conflict involving government forces and multiple rebel groups. The area is a major source of coltan, from which tantalum is extracted — a critical metal used in smartphones, computers and aircraft engines.
The region accounts for more than 15% of the world’s tantalum supply.
M23 rebels seized Rubaya in May 2024 and have since controlled its mining operations. A United Nations report estimates the group generates at least $800,000 per month by taxing the trade and transport of coltan.
Ongoing crisis
Eastern Congo has faced decades of violence and instability, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. More than seven million people have been displaced, including around 100,000 this year alone.
Despite a US-brokered agreement between Congo and Rwanda and ongoing negotiations with rebel groups, fighting continues in several parts of the region, resulting in frequent civilian casualties.
The recent deal also aims to open access to Congo’s critical mineral resources for US and international companies.
