More than 200 killed in Rubaya coltan mine collapse, official says

Officials say a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo killed more than 200 people and left several others injured; the precise toll remained unclear as of Friday.

Officials reported this week that a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo caused a large number of deaths. The collapse happened on Wednesday in a mining area where local residents dig by hand for daily earnings. Rubaya supplies a notable share of global coltan, which is processed into tantalum for electronic and industrial uses. The site has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024 and has been the subject of international scrutiny. Known details: - Officials said more than 200 people were victims of the landslide, including miners, children and market women. - An adviser to the governor, speaking anonymously, said the confirmed death toll was at least 227. - About 20 injured people were reported as receiving treatment in health facilities. - Authorities reported the collapse occurred during the rainy season and that the ground gave way where people were working. - Rubaya produces roughly 15% of the world’s coltan; the United Nations has said AFC/M23 has plundered the site’s resources, an allegation that Rwanda denies. Summary: The reported collapse has resulted in a large loss of life and several injuries, and officials have not provided a single, definitive death toll. Further confirmation or official updates beyond these initial reports were not specified. Undetermined at this time.