GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — At least 200 people have died after a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials and local media reported on Monday. The incident occurred at the Rubaya coltan mine in North Kivu province, an area known for its high-risk artisanal mining operations.
Local authorities said that heavy rains triggered landslides, causing tunnels and pits in the mine to collapse simultaneously. Rescue operations are ongoing, but officials warned that the death toll could rise further, as many workers remain buried under debris.
The Rubaya mine is controlled by the armed group M23, which seized the area from government forces in 2024. The mine is one of the largest sources of coltan, a mineral used in electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and aerospace components. Experts note that the mine accounts for roughly 15% of global coltan production.
Emergency responders, including local medical teams, have treated dozens of injured miners. Some victims are being transferred to hospitals in Goma, the provincial capital. Officials also reported that women and children were among the casualties.
Humanitarian groups have described the conditions at Rubaya as highly unsafe, with miners often using hand tools and working in unregulated tunnels. Heavy rainfall, poor infrastructure, and the lack of formal safety oversight contribute to frequent accidents in the region.
The government of North Kivu province called for calm and urged the international community to provide assistance for victims and survivors. “Our priority is saving lives and supporting affected families,” a provincial official said.
The disaster underscores the ongoing risks of artisanal mining in conflict-affected areas and raises concerns about the safety of workers supplying minerals critical to global technology markets.
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