Desperate Rescue Efforts Underway as Miners Remain Trapped in DR Congo

Sat Sep 13 2025 20:51:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After a landslide buried artisanal miners, local residents and volunteers resort to digging with bare hands to rescue the trapped.

In a harrowing scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province, rescuers are using their bare hands and rudimentary tools to save miners trapped beneath collapsed shafts after a devastating landslide. Since the incident occurred early Sunday morning, six miners have been successfully rescued, although one is reported to be in critical condition. The full scope of the disaster remains unclear, with residents reporting varying accounts of fatalities, including one claiming that 12 bodies have been discovered, while journalists on the scene indicate that no bodies have yet been recovered.

An influx of miners flocked to the area following the discovery of gold late last year, turning the small village of Lomera into a chaotic web of makeshift shafts and encampments. The presence of M23 rebels, who currently control large parts of eastern DR Congo, has complicated rescue operations. Despite the M23's claims that there are not hundreds trapped underground, the looming threat of ongoing conflict, coupled with inadequate rescue resources, continues to hinder efforts.

According to local reports, cascading landslides buried as many as 15 mining sites without warning, overwhelming rescue capabilities. Survivors on-site have expressed exhaustion as they dig tirelessly to reach their fellow miners. The recent safety risks associated with unregulated mining practices underscore the dangers faced by those engaged in artisanal mining—an industry integral to the supply of critical minerals for global electronics, yet rife with tragedy and conflict.

With rescue efforts stymied by debris and potential continuing geopolitical unrest, the community remains on high alert. Meanwhile, M23 officials have visited the disaster site, leading to a temporary halt in mining activities as the region grapples with significant safety concerns and ongoing conflict.

As the situation unfolds, the focus stays on the miners still trapped beneath the rubble and the insufficient resources to aid in their recovery, reinforcing wider discussions about safety and regulation in artisanal mining across DR Congo.