Over 200 dead in Congo mine landslide, rebel group reports lower death toll

More than 200 lives were tragically lost when a landslide triggered by heavy rains struck the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, according to the country’s mines ministry. This disaster comes at a time when the mine has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024 and is part of a shortlist of assets being offered by the Congolese government to the United States through a minerals cooperation framework.

A senior official from the AFC/M23 rebel group had earlier informed Reuters that only five or six people died in this accident. The Rubaya mine, which accounts for about 15% of the world’s coltan production and is crucial for mobile phone, computer, aerospace component, and gas turbine manufacturers, was recently added to this list.

Coltan is a heat-resistant metal essential to various industries. Its importance is underscored by the fact that the mine’s recent incident comes just one month after another disaster at the site claimed over 200 lives in late January.

The Rubaya mine produces around 15% of the world’s coltan, with its last major incident occurring a month ago; this time, however, an extraordinary tragedy unfolded. The mines ministry reported that nearly 70 children perished in this landslide-induced disaster and many injured miners were evacuated to health facilities in Goma.

The AFC/M23 rebel group’s senior official stated that the mine site had previously been discouraged for continued operation pending security improvements. This latest incident highlights the urgent need for protective measures for miners, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, which contributed significantly to this tragedy.

Despite not being immediately available for comment on the government’s toll, an M23 spokesperson underscored the gravity of the situation, adding another somber chapter to the mine’s troubled history in eastern Congo.