Massive mine collapse kills hundreds in DR Congo
More than 200 people died when a coltan mine collapsed in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities said. Heavy rains caused the mine to give way on Wednesday, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the M23-backed North Kivu regional government, told reporters.
Women and children were among those mining coltan, a mineral used in smartphones, computers, and other electronics.
A former mine supervisor told the BBC that poor maintenance made accidents more likely and hampered rescue efforts. He added that the fragile soil further worsened conditions.
Government blames rebels for unsafe operations
Congolese authorities accused the rebels of endangering civilians by allowing illegal mining without enforcing safety standards. They said they banned mining in the area last year, although the M23 rebels had already seized control.
Similar collapses have occurred across DR Congo, including in government-controlled areas. About 20 survivors are receiving hospital treatment.
A source whose cousin died described the loss as devastating:
“I didn’t believe he could pass away in such circumstances. His body wasn’t found immediately, so I had hope. Unfortunately, some hours later, his body was discovered.”
Rebel leader visits survivors
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, appointed by the M23 rebels, visited survivors on Friday. Rubaya is one of several towns under M23 control in North Kivu. International observers say the rebels receive backing from Rwanda, though Kigali denies any military involvement.
The Congolese government said the rebels are looting natural resources, calling the operations “a structured system of illegal exploitation of industrial scale.” UN experts have also reported evidence that minerals from DR Congo are being exported through Rwanda.
Rubaya mine: a global coltan hotspot
The Rubaya mines hold roughly 15% of the world’s coltan supply and half of DR Congo’s total deposits. Coltan contains tantalum, which is used in high-performance capacitors for electronics.
When the BBC visited in July 2025, miners dug manually under dangerous conditions across a vast and poorly maintained site. Since 2024, the M23 rebels have controlled the mines and allegedly imposed taxes on the sector for their own benefit.
Source: BBC
Also read: Syria: Government forces enter Kurdish-controlled zone
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
