More than 200 people have been reported dead following a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a spokesperson for the rebel-appointed provincial administration.
Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, speaking on Friday, said the accident occurred on Wednesday, with the final death toll still uncertain as rescue efforts continue. He stated that many victims remain buried in mud and have yet to be recovered.
Rubaya is a major source of coltan, accounting for an estimated 15 percent of global supply. Coltan is refined into tantalum, a heat-resistant metal widely used in the production of mobile phones, computers, aerospace equipment, and gas turbines. The mine, where local workers manually extract minerals for low wages, has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024.
Muyisa said several injured miners were taken to three health facilities in Rubaya, while ambulances were expected to transfer more seriously wounded victims to Goma, located about 50 kilometres away.
Authorities linked to the rebel administration in North Kivu have temporarily suspended artisanal mining activities at the site and ordered the relocation of residents who had built makeshift shelters near the area. Heavy rainfall was cited as the cause of the landslide that triggered the collapse.
An adviser to the provincial leadership, who declined to be named, said the confirmed death toll had reached at least 227.
The United Nations has previously accused the M23 group of exploiting mineral resources in Rubaya to finance its armed campaign, alleging support from neighbouring Rwanda — a claim the Rwandan government denies.
M23, a well-armed rebel movement, says its objectives include challenging the government in Kinshasa and protecting the Congolese Tutsi community. The group expanded its control over mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo during a rapid advance last year.
