DR Congo landslide tragedy has left more than 200 people dead after heavy rains triggered catastrophic mudslides at a rebel-controlled mine in the country’s east. The disaster struck earlier this week at the Rubaya coltan mine in North Kivu province, an area under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024.
Torrential rainfall caused the unstable ground around the mine to collapse, sweeping miners and nearby residents into pits and underground wells. Survivors described scenes of chaos as entire sections of the site gave way within minutes. One miner said people were “swallowed up” as the earth collapsed, while others drowned inside mining shafts.
Local authorities said the victims include artisanal miners, women trading at nearby markets, and children living close to the site. At least 20 people were injured and are receiving treatment in local health centres, with some expected to be transferred to Goma, the nearest major city, about 50 kilometres away.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, but officials warned the death toll is likely to rise as many people remain missing or trapped beneath debris. In response, the rebel-appointed provincial administration ordered an immediate halt to artisanal mining at Rubaya. Residents who built makeshift shelters close to the mine have also been told to relocate due to safety concerns.
Rubaya is one of the world’s most important coltan mining areas, producing an estimated 15 percent of global supply. Coltan is processed into tantalum, a critical component used in smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines. The mine’s economic importance has long drawn thousands of informal miners despite dangerous working conditions.
The United Nations has previously accused the M23 group of exploiting Rubaya’s mineral wealth to finance its insurgency. Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has endured decades of violence involving government forces and armed groups competing for control of mineral-rich territory.
Although diplomatic efforts, including a US-brokered agreement between Congo and Rwanda and ongoing talks with the rebels, are underway, fighting continues across several fronts. The latest disaster highlights the deadly intersection of conflict, poverty, and unsafe mining practices in the region.
