More Than 200 Killed in Congo Coltan Mine Collapse, Say Officials

More than 200 people were killed this week when a coltan mine collapsed in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local officials.

Lubumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed provincial governor, told Reuters on Friday that the landslide struck on Wednesday. The exact death toll remains unclear, but an adviser to the governor said at least 227 deaths have been confirmed.

“More than 200 people were victims of this landslide, including miners, children and market women,” Muyisa said. “Some people were rescued in time and are being treated for serious injuries.”

About 20 injured survivors are currently receiving medical care at nearby health facilities.

Rubaya produces nearly 15 percent of the world’s coltan, which is refined into tantalum, a heat-resistant metal used in mobile phones, computers, aerospace equipment and gas turbines. The mine is largely worked by local residents who dig manually for only a few dollars a day.

The site has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024. Officials said the collapse was likely triggered by unstable ground during the rainy season.

“We are in the rainy season. The ground is fragile,” Muyisa said. “It gave way while people were working underground.”

The United Nations has accused AFC/M23 of exploiting Rubaya’s mineral resources to finance its insurgency, allegedly with support from neighboring Rwanda. Rwanda has denied the allegation.

AFC/M23 rebels, who say they are fighting to overthrow the government in Kinshasa and protect the Congolese Tutsi minority, expanded their control over mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo during a rapid offensive last year.