A devastating landslide at coltan mines in eastern Congo has resulted in the deaths of at least 200 people, with many victims still trapped in mud, according to rebel authorities. The catastrophe occurred earlier this week at the Rubaya mines, an area under the control of the M23 rebel group, and was confirmed on Saturday.
Rebel Authorities Confirm Tragic Death Toll
Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North-Kivu province, stated that heavy rains triggered the landslide on Wednesday. "For now, there are more than 200 dead, some of whom are still in the mud and have not yet been recovered," Muyisa explained. Numerous injured individuals were transported to three health facilities in Rubaya, with ambulances expected to transfer the wounded to Goma, approximately 50 kilometres away, on Saturday.
Mining Suspended and Residents Relocated
In response to the disaster, the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu has temporarily suspended artisanal mining at the site. Authorities have also ordered the relocation of residents whose shelters were built dangerously close to the mine, highlighting the precarious living conditions in the area.
Persistent Dangers of Artisanal Mining
A former miner at the site, Clovis Mafare, described the persistent dangers of the mining operations. "People dig everywhere, without control or safety measures," Mafare said. He explained that repeated landslides are common due to tunnels being dug by hand, poorly constructed, and lacking maintenance. "In a single pit, there can be as many as 500 miners, and because the tunnels run parallel, one collapse can affect many pits at once."
Strategic Importance of Rubaya Mines
Rubaya is situated in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich region that has endured decades of brutal violence involving government forces and various armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23. The rebels seized Rubaya and its mines in May 2024, and a UN report indicates they have since imposed taxes on coltan trade and transport, reportedly generating at least $800,000 monthly.
Global Significance of Congo's Coltan
Congo is a critical global supplier of coltan, a black metallic ore containing tantalum, which is an essential component in smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines. In 2023, the country produced around 40 per cent of the world's coltan, with Rubaya's mines alone contributing over 15 per cent of the global tantalum supply.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Eastern Congo has been plagued by intermittent crises for decades, leading to one of the world's largest humanitarian emergencies, with over 7 million people displaced. More than 300,000 have fled their homes since December alone. Despite a US-brokered deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments and ongoing negotiations, fighting persists across multiple fronts, causing numerous civilian and military casualties. The deal also grants the US government and American companies access to these critical minerals.
The recent resurgence of M23 rebels has intensified the conflict, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. This mine collapse adds another layer of tragedy to a population already suffering from displacement and violence.
