At least 200 people have died following a devastating landslide at a coltan mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with children accounting for approximately 70 of the victims, government officials have confirmed.
The disaster struck the Rubaya coltan mining area in North Kivu province after heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide, causing multiple mining shafts to collapse and trap workers underground, according to a statement from the DRC Ministry of Mines.
Rescue operations remain underway, though authorities fear the death toll could continue climbing as teams work to recover more bodies from the debris. Numerous injured miners have been transported to medical facilities in surrounding areas for treatment.
The Rubaya mining zone has been under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group since 2024, with the volatile security situation significantly hampering rescue efforts and delaying access for humanitarian organizations and government response teams.
Authorities noted the area had previously been designated a “red zone,” with officials discouraging mining activities due to significant safety risks and unstable terrain. Despite these warnings, thousands of artisanal miners continued working at the site, using basic tools and operating without adequate safety measures.
Local residents described the landslide as sudden and catastrophic. One artisanal miner recounted how the mountain slope gave way following days of intense rainfall, causing the ground to collapse and bury numerous workers beneath mud and debris. Witnesses reported that the earth “swallowed many people,” leaving rescue teams struggling to recover bodies and locate possible survivors.
The Rubaya mine represents one of the world’s largest sources of coltan, a mineral processed to produce tantalum—a critical component in manufacturing electronic devices including smartphones, computers, and other high-tech equipment. The site supplies a substantial portion of the global coltan market.
This tragedy highlights the persistent dangers confronting artisanal miners across the DRC, where mining accidents occur frequently due to poor safety standards, lack of regulation, and unstable geological conditions. Such incidents become particularly deadly during rainy seasons when heavy precipitation increases the likelihood of landslides and mine collapses.
Search and rescue operations continue as authorities work to determine the full scope of the disaster, with concerns mounting that additional workers may remain trapped in the collapsed mine shafts.
