More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities have said. The mine, in the town of Rubaya, gave way 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 collapse, it was reported that many were mining coltan, a mineral vital for the electronics industry, including smartphones and computers.
A former supervisor of the mine revealed that the site was not properly maintained, increasing the risk of such accidents and obstructing rescue efforts. The fragile nature of the soil was also cited as a contributing factor to the tragedy, which has devastated local families, many of whom included women and children among the victims.
Survivors of the incident report that around 20 people are receiving medical treatment due to injuries sustained during the collapse. Affected families expressed their shock and sorrow, highlighting the deep impact on their homes and communities. Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga visited survivors following the incident, which has drawn international attention to the perilous mining conditions in regions controlled by the M23 rebels.
Rubaya's mines are significant, holding 15% of the world’s coltan supply and half of DR Congo’s total deposit. Studies have pointed out that over the past years, the M23 rebels have exploited these resources, with allegations of imposing taxes on the mining sector for personal gain. In light of these events, calls for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight in the mining industry are more urgent than ever. The disaster serves as a grim reminder of the risks beneath the surface of the lucrative mining sector in the DRC.
A former supervisor of the mine revealed that the site was not properly maintained, increasing the risk of such accidents and obstructing rescue efforts. The fragile nature of the soil was also cited as a contributing factor to the tragedy, which has devastated local families, many of whom included women and children among the victims.
Survivors of the incident report that around 20 people are receiving medical treatment due to injuries sustained during the collapse. Affected families expressed their shock and sorrow, highlighting the deep impact on their homes and communities. Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga visited survivors following the incident, which has drawn international attention to the perilous mining conditions in regions controlled by the M23 rebels.
Rubaya's mines are significant, holding 15% of the world’s coltan supply and half of DR Congo’s total deposit. Studies have pointed out that over the past years, the M23 rebels have exploited these resources, with allegations of imposing taxes on the mining sector for personal gain. In light of these events, calls for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight in the mining industry are more urgent than ever. The disaster serves as a grim reminder of the risks beneath the surface of the lucrative mining sector in the DRC.
