Death Toll Rises as Eastern DRC Coltan Mine Collapses, Leaving Hundreds Buried Under Rubble.
At least 200 people have been confirmed dead and over 227 others are believed to be missing after a devastating coltan mine collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern province of North Kivu. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, and the full extent of the destruction is still not known, with many victims still trapped under the rubble.
The Rubaya mine, which is one of the largest sources of coltan globally, producing around 15% of the world's supply, has been plagued by safety concerns for years. The site, controlled by the M23 rebel group since 2024, is notorious for its poor working conditions and lax regulations. Local miners dig for the metal, known as tantalum, which is essential in making mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines.
The collapse was attributed to heavy rains, which caused a landslide that buried many of the mine's workers alive. Several others were injured and taken to local health facilities, where they remain under treatment. Ambulances are expected to transfer the wounded to Goma, about 50 kilometers away, on Saturday.
In response to the disaster, the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu has temporarily halted artisanal mining at the site and ordered the relocation of residents who had built shelters near the mine. The move is aimed at preventing further accidents and ensuring the safety of those living in close proximity to the mine.
The International Community has expressed concern over the rising number of casualties, with many attributing it to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. The UN has accused M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda's government, of plundering the region's riches to fund their insurgency.
As rescue efforts continue, concerns are growing about the long-term impact of this tragedy on the local community. The DRC government has been urged to take immediate action to address the safety concerns at the mine and prevent similar disasters in the future.
At least 200 people have been confirmed dead and over 227 others are believed to be missing after a devastating coltan mine collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern province of North Kivu. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, and the full extent of the destruction is still not known, with many victims still trapped under the rubble.
The Rubaya mine, which is one of the largest sources of coltan globally, producing around 15% of the world's supply, has been plagued by safety concerns for years. The site, controlled by the M23 rebel group since 2024, is notorious for its poor working conditions and lax regulations. Local miners dig for the metal, known as tantalum, which is essential in making mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines.
The collapse was attributed to heavy rains, which caused a landslide that buried many of the mine's workers alive. Several others were injured and taken to local health facilities, where they remain under treatment. Ambulances are expected to transfer the wounded to Goma, about 50 kilometers away, on Saturday.
In response to the disaster, the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu has temporarily halted artisanal mining at the site and ordered the relocation of residents who had built shelters near the mine. The move is aimed at preventing further accidents and ensuring the safety of those living in close proximity to the mine.
The International Community has expressed concern over the rising number of casualties, with many attributing it to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. The UN has accused M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda's government, of plundering the region's riches to fund their insurgency.
As rescue efforts continue, concerns are growing about the long-term impact of this tragedy on the local community. The DRC government has been urged to take immediate action to address the safety concerns at the mine and prevent similar disasters in the future.
This is just horrific. I mean, 200+ confirmed dead and hundreds more missing? It's like they were just mining for their livelihoods and this happened to them. 
The fact that it's been happening for years at that mine, with safety concerns being ignored... it's unbelievable. And now, the local community is going through this trauma, and the international community is stepping in, but what about action from the government? Why wasn't something done sooner? It's not just about the mining itself, but also about those who are living close by. I hope the rubble is cleared soon and justice is served for these poor people 
. It's not just about the numbers, though - it's about the lives that were lost and the community that's been torn apart. We should really be doing more to support these people and make sure something like this never happens again 
It's like they just ignored all those safety warnings and regulations. And to make matters worse, M23 rebels are behind it all, taking advantage of the conflict to fund their insurgency. I'm not surprised the UN is calling them out for it. 
The real tragedy here is the innocent people who lost their lives or are still trapped under the rubble... may they get the help and support they need ASAP 
200+ dead, 227+ missing... how many more lives gotta be lost for those in power to listen? 
... like i'm still trying to wrap my head around it - 200+ dead and hundreds more missing? that's just, like, crazy 
... and the fact that it was a landslide caused by heavy rains just adds to the whole situation being super sad 
... i hope the gov gets its act together and actually does something about this instead of just pointing fingers 
... can't wait for those rescue efforts to be completed and some answers to come out