Rubaya: More than 200 people are feared dead after a coltan mine collapsed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local authorities and rescue workers. The accident happened at the Rubaya mining site in North Kivu province, an area controlled by the M23 rebel group.
The collapse was caused by heavy rains that triggered a landslide. Several tunnels used by artisanal miners caved in while people were working inside. Many of the victims were trapped underground and could not escape in time.
Rescue teams and local volunteers searched through the rubble with basic tools. Dozens of injured people were taken to nearby health centers, and some were transferred to hospitals in Goma for further treatment. Officials say the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered from the site.
Rubaya is one of the most important coltan mining areas in the country. Coltan is used to make electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. The mines are mostly unregulated, and safety measures are weak, which makes accidents common.
The area has been under rebel control since 2024. The conflict has made it difficult for the government to enforce mining rules or improve working conditions. Many residents depend on mining for survival despite the risks.
This tragedy adds to the long list of humanitarian problems in eastern Congo, where violence and poverty continue to affect daily life. Aid groups say better safety standards and stronger oversight are urgently needed to prevent similar disasters in the future.