Death toll of mine collapse in DR Congo surpasses 200
The Shinkolobwe cobalt mine near the south-eastern city of Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, April 10, 2004.(Schalk van Zuydam/AP)
A deadly mine collapse in eastern DR Congo has left more than 200 dead, exposing dangerous working conditions, according to the BBC on January 31st.
More than 200 people were killed when a coltan mine in Rubaya, in Congo, caved in after days of heavy rain, local rebel authorities said. The collapse took place while miners were working underground, trapping dozens beneath unstable earth and debris. Rescue teams continue to search the site, although officials have said the full scale of the disaster may take time to confirm.
Reportedly, the death toll remained unclear at the time of the incident on January 28th. Among the victims were women, children and artisanal miners, many of whom were not officially employed by a mining firm. About 20 people who managed to escape the collapse are currently receiving medical treatment.
A former mine supervisor said that safety standards at the site were extremely weak, making accidents more likely and slowing rescue efforts once the collapse occurred. He also warned that the fragile structure of the soil in Rubaya creates constant danger for those working underground.
Families of the victims have been left in shock. One person, whose cousin died in the incident, described the emotional toll on the community. “It was a big loss,” he said, adding, “I didn’t believe he could pass away in such circumstances.” He described his cousin as “courageous” and “ambitious”, explaining that his main goal was to support his wife and two children. “I didn’t believe [he was dead] because investigations were still ongoing,” he said, before confirming that the body was later recovered.
The Rubaya mining zone is considered one of the world’s most strategic coltan sites, holding around 15 percent of the global supply and nearly half of DR Congo’s total reserves. Coltan contains tantalum, a metal used to produce high-performance capacitors found in smartphones, computers and other electronic devices, making it highly valuable for international markets.
Rubaya lies in an area controlled by the M23 rebel group, which seized the mines in 2024. The UN has accused the group of profiting from the sector through illegal taxation.
BBC, Maghrebi.org
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