In brief
A mine collapse in the town of Rubaya in eastern DR Congo has led to the death of more than 200 individuals, mainly artisanal miners, including women and children. The incident, triggered by heavy rains, highlights the dangerous conditions and lack of maintenance in mines under rebel control. Survivors are receiving medical treatment, while the local community mourns the loss.
More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities have said.
The mine, in the town of Rubaya, gave way on Wednesday due to heavy rains, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the North Kivu region's rebel governor, told reporters. At the time, the death toll remained unclear.
Women and children were among those mining coltan - a mineral used to manufacture electronics such as smartphones and computers - at the time.
A former supervisor of the mine told the BBC the site was not properly maintained, making accidents more likely and hampering rescue efforts when they occur.
He added that the fragile nature of the soil made the situation worse.
Women, children, and artisanal miners - those not officially employed by a mining firm - are among those killed in the collapse. Around 20 survivors are said to be receiving treatment in hospital.
A source whose cousin died in the landslide expressed shock, saying it was a big loss for the family and community.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, who was appointed by M23 rebels after seizing swathes of territory in North Kivu, visited survivors of the incident on Friday.
Rubaya is one of several towns in North Kivu under the control of the M23, which international observers allege are backed by neighboring Rwanda.
The mines in Rubaya hold about 15% of the world's coltan supply and half of the DR Congo's total deposits.
The metallic ore contains tantalum, which is used to produce high-performance capacitors in a range of electronic devices, making it in high demand worldwide.
Since 2024, the M23 rebels have controlled the mines, with accusations from the UN that they impose taxes on the mining sector for their benefit.
