Over 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in DR Congo

KABUL (Pajhwok): More than 200 people have died following a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, media reports said on Saturday,

Rubaya produces roughly 15% of the world’s coltan, a mineral processed into tantalum — a heat-resistant metal widely used in mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines.

The mine, where locals dig manually for a few dollars a day, has been controlled by the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024.

The collapse occurred Wednesday, and the exact death toll remained uncertain as of Friday evening, Reuters reported.

“More than 200 people were victims of this landslide, including miners, children, and market women. Some were rescued just in time but sustained serious injuries,” said Muyisa, noting that about 20 injured people were receiving treatment in local health facilities.

“We are in the rainy season. The ground is fragile. It was the ground that gave way while the victims were in the hole,” he added.

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