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Coltan Mine: A catastrophic landslide has struck the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving more than 200 people dead and many others injured, according to provincial officials and local sources. The collapse occurred midweek during heavy seasonal rains, burying miners and nearby civilians under tons of earth and debris. As rescue efforts continued, authorities cautioned that the final death toll remained uncertain due to the scale of the destruction and the remote location of the site.

Incident Confirmed by Provincial Authorities

A spokesperson for the rebel-appointed provincial administration told international media that the landslide happened on Wednesday and was confirmed publicly on Friday. Initial estimates placed the number of fatalities above 200, though officials acknowledged that conditions on the ground made accurate counting difficult. By Friday evening, the spokesperson said rescue teams were still attempting to reach parts of the site where victims were believed to be trapped.

Victims Include Miners and Civilians

Those affected by the disaster were not limited to mine workers. Local reports indicate that children and women who sold goods at informal markets near the mining area were also caught in the collapse. The mine operates in close proximity to residential and trading zones, a common feature in artisanal mining regions. Survivors described scenes of panic as the hillside gave way without warning.

Injured Survivors Receiving Medical Care

While the majority of those buried in the landslide did not survive, a number of people were pulled from the debris with serious injuries. Health officials confirmed that around 20 injured survivors were receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities. Hospitals in the area are poorly equipped, and humanitarian groups have warned that limited resources could affect recovery outcomes for the wounded.

Rainy Season and Unstable Ground Cited

Authorities attributed the collapse to unstable soil conditions worsened by ongoing seasonal rainfall. The region has experienced weeks of heavy rain, which weakens exposed earth in open-pit mining areas. Artisanal mines such as Rubaya often lack basic safety measures, including proper drainage or structural reinforcement, making them especially vulnerable to landslides during wet weather.

Revised Death Toll Suggested by Governor’s Adviser

Later on Friday, an adviser to the provincial governor, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the situation, said that the confirmed number of dead had risen to at least 227. The adviser emphasized that this figure was provisional and could increase as search teams continued to recover bodies. Many victims were believed to be buried deep beneath collapsed sections of the mine.

Strategic Importance of the Rubaya Mine

The Rubaya mine is one of the world’s most significant sources of coltan, accounting for an estimated 15 percent of global supply. Coltan is refined into tantalum, a heat-resistant metal essential for manufacturing mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines. The mine has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024, according to regional observers.

Allegations of Resource Exploitation and Conflict Financing

Local residents reportedly extract coltan by hand, earning minimal daily wages despite the mineral’s high global value. The United Nations has accused the AFC/M23 group of using profits from Rubaya to fund its armed activities. UN experts have also alleged external backing for the group, including support from Rwanda, an accusation that the Rwandan government has consistently denied.

Ongoing Uncertainty and Calls for Accountability

As families search for missing relatives, questions are mounting over safety standards and oversight at mining sites in conflict-affected areas. Human rights groups have renewed calls for stronger protections for miners and surrounding communities, warning that similar tragedies could occur if conditions remain unchanged. For now, the people of Rubaya are left to mourn their dead while awaiting clarity on the full scale of the disaster.