More than 200 people have been killed in a catastrophic collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to officials in the rebel‑administered province. The mine, one of the world’s most important sources of coltan, fell into chaos after the ground gave way during the rainy season.
Rubaya produces roughly 15 percent of the global supply of coltan, the ore refined into tantalum a metal essential for smartphones, computers, aerospace components and gas turbines. Despite its global significance, the mine relies on manual labor, with locals digging for a few dollars a day in dangerous, unstable terrain.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday, but the full scale of the tragedy only became clear by Friday. Lubumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel‑appointed governor, said miners, children and market women were among the victims. Around 20 survivors were rescued with serious injuries.
Another provincial adviser, speaking anonymously, said the confirmed death toll had already reached at least 227. Rescue efforts continue as authorities struggle to determine how many people remain trapped.
The mine has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024. The United Nations accuses the group allegedly backed by Rwanda, a claim Kigali denies of exploiting Rubaya’s mineral wealth to finance its insurgency. M23 says it aims to protect the Congolese Tutsi minority and challenge the government in Kinshasa.
The disaster highlights the stark human cost behind the global demand for high‑tech minerals. As tantalum remains vital to modern electronics, the people who extract it continue to face life‑threatening conditions with little protection.
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