Mine Collapse at Rubaya Coltan Mine: Over 200 Fatalities Reported
A mine collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday has reportedly resulted in over 200 fatalities.
The incident, attributed to a landslide following heavy rains and precarious mining conditions, saw victims including miners, children, and market women. The Rubaya mine, a significant source of coltan, is under the control of the M23 rebel group, operating in a region marked by decades of conflict.
Incident Overview
The collapse occurred on Wednesday at several mining sites within the Rubaya coltan mine. Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, a spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu province, reported over 200 deaths. An adviser to the governor, who requested anonymity, indicated a confirmed death toll of at least 227. The precise number of casualties was still being determined as of Friday evening, with some individuals still unrecovered.
Among the reported victims were miners, children, and market women. Some individuals were rescued with serious injuries and transported to local health facilities, with plans for further transfers to Goma.
Reported Causes and Mining Conditions
The landslide, attributed in part to heavy rains, is also linked to the operational conditions at the mine. A former miner, Clovis Mafare, stated that the Rubaya mines frequently experience collapses due to manual excavation, poor construction, and insufficient maintenance of tunnels.
He described conditions where up to 500 miners might work in a single poorly-constructed pit, increasing the risk of widespread collapse.
In response to the incident, the rebel-appointed governor issued a temporary halt to artisanal mining at the site and ordered the relocation of residents from nearby shelters. Congo's government expressed solidarity with the victims' families and accused the M23 rebels of illegal and unsafe exploitation of resources.
Rubaya Mine and Coltan Production
The Rubaya mine is a key site for coltan production, a mineral processed into tantalum. Tantalum is a heat-resistant metal essential for various technologies, including mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines. The site relies on manual excavation by local populations.
The Rubaya mines contribute approximately 15% of the world's coltan/tantalum supply. The Democratic Republic of Congo as a whole produced approximately 40% of the world's coltan in 2023.
Regional Dynamics and M23 Control
The Rubaya area is located in a mineral-rich part of eastern Congo, a region that has experienced decades of conflict involving government forces and various armed groups. The M23 rebel group seized control of Rubaya and its mines in May 2024.
- The United Nations alleges that M23 has plundered Rubaya's resources to fund its insurgency, which the UN states is supported by the Rwandan government. Rwanda denies these allegations.
- The M23 rebels state their aim is to overthrow the Kinshasa government and ensure the safety of the Congolese Tutsi minority.
- A United Nations report stated that since taking control, the M23 has imposed taxes on coltan trade and transport, generating an estimated $800,000 per month.
- The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has contributed to a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 7 million people.