(Web Desk) – News from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo A landslide triggered by heavy rains at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 200 people, the country’s mines ministry confirmed. The disaster occurred on Tuesday and highlights ongoing safety challenges in the region’s informal mining sector.
Earlier, an official from the AFC/M23 rebel group, which controls the site, reported a much lower death toll of five or six, underscoring conflicting accounts in the immediate aftermath. Rescue operations are ongoing, and many injured have been transported to medical facilities in Goma.
Authorities said around 70 children were among the dead. The landslide followed days of heavy rainfall and struck an area where mining operations had previously been discouraged due to safety concerns and inadequate protective measures.
Rubaya is a significant global source of coltan, a mineral used in electronics and aerospace manufacturing. The mine produces roughly 15% of the world’s supply, making it economically important but also prone to environmental and safety risks. The site has been under rebel control since 2024 and was recently included in discussions for mineral cooperation with international partners.
The tragedy comes only weeks after another deadly incident at the same location, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety oversight and humanitarian support in the region.
