At least 200 people are feared dead after a massive landslide struck a coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the deadly risks faced by miners in conflict-hit regions, officials said.
Landslide hits key mining area
The disaster occurred in the Rubaya mining area of North Kivu, a region currently under the control of the M23 armed group. According to local authorities, part of a hillside collapsed on Wednesday afternoon, burying dozens of miners and scavengers. A second landslide early Thursday worsened the devastation.
Officials appointed by the M23 said the death toll was expected to rise as more bodies were recovered from the debris.
Rescue efforts hampered by insecurity
Rescue operations have been severely affected by poor communication and ongoing insecurity. Phone networks in the area have remained down for several days, while many government officials and civil society members fled after the rebels took control.
A humanitarian official said information from the site was arriving slowly, often carried by motorbike couriers navigating dangerous terrain. “Updates are coming in fragments,” the official said, making it difficult to confirm casualty figures. Families in nearby villages continue to wait anxiously for news of missing relatives.
Strategic mineral, long conflict
The Rubaya mine is among the world’s most important sources of coltan, a mineral widely used in smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices. Experts estimate the site contributes between 15 and 30 per cent of global coltan supply.
Control over such mineral-rich areas has long fuelled conflict in eastern Congo. United Nations experts have accused Rwanda of backing the M23 and benefiting from mineral exploitation, allegations Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The Congolese government blamed the tragedy on armed occupation and organised looting, urging the international community to acknowledge the hazardous conditions under which miners are forced to work.