A tragic mining accident in the Rubaya region of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, with dozens more still believed to be trapped, local officials confirmed on Friday.
Rescue Operations Ongoing, Toll Expected to Rise
According to the Masisi administrator’s office, the incident occurred Thursday at a coltan mining site in North Kivu Province. Emergency teams have rescued around 100 miners so far, but operations are ongoing as many remain buried under debris.
“Several individuals are still buried, but emergency teams are working relentlessly at the site to save those showing signs of life,” a local official told Xinhua News Agency.
Authorities emphasized that the casualty figures remain provisional and a further update is expected later.
Rubaya hosts one of the largest known coltan reserves in the world, with the United Nations estimating it supplies over 15% of global tantalum—a key element used in smartphones, fighter jets, and medical devices.
The mining site is a mix of open-pit and underground operations, attracting thousands of artisanal miners daily. However, safety protocols are often lacking, making the mines prone to deadly collapses.
Since April 2024, the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has held control of the Rubaya region, complicating both governance and security enforcement in mining zones.
The eastern DRC has suffered decades of conflict, illegal mining, and armed militia control, leading to widespread instability. In recent months, the M23 group has launched fresh offensives in North Kivu and South Kivu, escalating tensions in the region.
Cause of Collapse Unknown
While the exact cause of Thursday’s mine collapse is still under investigation, experts frequently cite poor infrastructure, lack of regulation, and illegal excavation as key risk factors in similar tragedies.
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