More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities have said. The mine, located in the town of Rubaya, collapsed on Wednesday due to heavy rains, according to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the North Kivu region's rebel governor. At the time of the accident, women and children were mining coltan, a mineral used in the production of electronics.
A former supervisor described the site as poorly maintained, worsening the risks of such accidents and hampering rescue efforts. He highlighted that the fragile nature of the soil contributed to the disaster.
Among the deceased were artisanal miners who are often not formally employed. Reports suggest that about 20 survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Grief has struck the community, with relatives mourning the loss of loved ones, including a source who expressed disbelief at the sudden death of a cousin who had hoped to provide for his family.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, installed by the M23 rebel group, visited the survivors. Rubaya holds significant resources, containing approximately 15% of the global coltan supply, and is under the oversight of the M23. The UN has accused the group of exploiting the mining sector for financial gain, further complicating the safety and management of these sites. The Congolese government has been contacted for further comment.
A former supervisor described the site as poorly maintained, worsening the risks of such accidents and hampering rescue efforts. He highlighted that the fragile nature of the soil contributed to the disaster.
Among the deceased were artisanal miners who are often not formally employed. Reports suggest that about 20 survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Grief has struck the community, with relatives mourning the loss of loved ones, including a source who expressed disbelief at the sudden death of a cousin who had hoped to provide for his family.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, installed by the M23 rebel group, visited the survivors. Rubaya holds significant resources, containing approximately 15% of the global coltan supply, and is under the oversight of the M23. The UN has accused the group of exploiting the mining sector for financial gain, further complicating the safety and management of these sites. The Congolese government has been contacted for further comment.
