Over 200 Dead After Landslides at Rebel-Held Coltan Mine
Over 200 Dead After Landslides at Rebel-Held Coltan Mine
At least 200 people were feared dead following catastrophic landslides at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern DR Congo. Triggered by torrential rains earlier this week. The disaster has left many missing. Officials warn the death toll will likely rise as rescue teams continue to search the debris.
The tragedy has devastated the local community, claiming the lives of “miners, children and market women,” according to provincial spokespersons.
While dozens were killed instantly, at least 20 survivors are being treated for injuries. Some victims are expected to be moved to Goma for more intensive medical care.
The scale of the horror was captured by miner Franck Bolingo, who witnessed the mountain collapse.
He recounted the event, stating: “It rained, a landslide followed, and it swept people away. Some were swallowed up, others died in the wells. Many are still trapped inside.”
Rubaya is a vital source of coltan, a mineral essential for smartphones and aircraft engines, yet it remains a site of conflict. The mine has been controlled by M23 rebels since 2024. The United Nations notes that the group uses these mineral riches to fund their violent insurgency.
In the wake of the disaster, rebel authorities have suspended all artisanal mining at the site. They have also ordered the immediate relocation of families living in makeshift shelters near the unstable slopes.
These measures aim to prevent further casualties as the ground remains saturated.
This disaster highlights the dual threats of environmental hazards and war facing eastern DRC.
Despite international peace efforts, the region remains trapped in a cycle of violence. For the residents of Rubaya, the struggle for survival persists amidst both natural and man-made crises.
