More Than 200 Killed in Coltan Mine Collapse in Eastern DR Congo
News Updated: 31 January 2026 17:00 EAT
Coltan mine in Congo collapsed
More than 200 people have been killed following the collapse of a coltan mine in the rebel-controlled North Kivu region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local authorities have confirmed, marking one of the deadliest mining disasters in the country in recent years.
The incident occurred at the Rubaya mining site, a major hub for artisanal coltan extraction, after heavy rains triggered a landslide that caused large sections of the mine to cave in. Victims were buried under tonnes of mud, rocks and debris as they worked in the pits or operated nearby stalls.
Officials appointed by the M23 rebel group, which controls the area, said the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts continue and more bodies are recovered from the unstable ground. Several people are still believed to be missing.
Local health centres were overwhelmed as survivors with serious injuries were rushed for treatment, while those in critical condition were transferred to hospitals in Goma, the provincial capital, located dozens of kilometres away.
Rubaya is considered one of the world’s most important sources of coltan, a mineral used in the production of tantalum for electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers and other high-tech equipment. The mine employs thousands of artisanal miners working under hazardous conditions.
Artisanal mining in eastern Congo is largely informal, with little regulation or enforcement of safety standards. Miners often dig deep tunnels by hand, leaving them vulnerable to collapses, especially during the rainy season.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the human cost of mineral extraction in conflict-affected areas, where armed groups compete for control of lucrative resources amid weak state oversight.
The M23 rebel group seized control of Rubaya and surrounding mineral-rich territories in 2024. International bodies and human rights groups have previously raised alarm over the exploitation of minerals from the area to finance armed activities.
In response to the disaster, rebel authorities said they had suspended mining operations at the site and ordered residents living near the pits to relocate, citing ongoing safety risks.
The mine collapse adds to the deepening humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo, a region plagued by decades of conflict, displacement and poverty, as families mourn their loved ones and communities grapple with yet another devastating loss.
Tags: Dr Congo Editor's Pick Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD