GOMA, Congo — This week, a tragic landslide at a coltan mining site in eastern Congo claimed at least 200 lives. The incident occurred at the Rubaya mines, an area controlled by M23 rebels. The heavy rains were blamed for the collapse, according to rebel authorities.
Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, a spokesperson for the M23 governor of North Kivu province, reported that many bodies remain buried in the debris. Emergency services have been working to rescue the injured, with several being taken to local health facilities for care. Others are expected to be transported to Goma, located about 30 miles away.
In response to the disaster, the M23 authorities have temporarily halted artisanal mining in the area. They also ordered nearby residents to relocate due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, Congo’s government expressed condolences to the victims’ families, criticizing the rebels for their unsafe mining practices.
Clovis Mafare, a former miner, revealed that landslides are common at these mines because the tunnels are often dug by hand and without proper maintenance. “People dig everywhere,” he said. In some pits, up to 500 miners work closely together, making the risk of a widespread collapse very high.
Eastern Congo, rich in minerals, has suffered decades of violence from government forces and various armed groups, including the M23. This ongoing conflict has only worsened the humanitarian crisis in the region, with over 7 million people displaced.
Congo plays a major role in supplying coltan, a crucial ingredient in smartphones and other electronic devices. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that Congo produced about 40% of the world’s coltan in 2023. The Rubaya mines alone contribute over 15% of the global tantalum supply.
Since the M23 seized control of the town in May 2024, they have imposed taxes on coltan trading, generating an estimated $800,000 monthly. This lucrative business comes at a steep human cost, as the region faces ongoing fighting and instability.
Despite the Congolese and Rwandan governments signing a deal aimed at peace and economic cooperation, violence persists. This agreement also facilitates access to valuable minerals for U.S. companies.
As the situation in Rubaya unfolds, it serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the lives affected by the relentless quest for resources. The need for safe mining practices and humanitarian support in this conflict-ridden region remains urgent.
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